What made the Serangoon Gardens house appear vacant to the burglar?

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The Serangoon Gardens House Appeared Vacant Due to Its Lights Being Switched Off

The house in Serangoon Gardens was targeted by the burglar, Huang Xiaozong, because it presented an appearance of being vacant. This visual cue was primarily due to the absence of any lights being switched on within the property. Huang, who was visiting Singapore for the first time, specifically sought out residential areas that seemed unoccupied as part of his plan to commit burglaries.
Selection of a House in Serangoon Gardens

Huang Xiaozong arrived in Singapore on December 5 last year and subsequently visited several affluent neighbourhoods. His rationale for selecting the Serangoon Gardens property was its apparent lack of occupancy, indicated by the darkness within. This observation led him to believe it was a suitable target for theft.
Method of Entry and Items Stolen

Upon identifying the house as seemingly vacant, Huang proceeded to climb over its gate. He then entered and stole jewellery valued at more than S$47,000. The stolen items included a variety of pieces such as rings, gold necklaces, a diamond necklace, diamond earrings, and wedding rings.
Broader Context of Burglaries

This incident in Serangoon Gardens was part of a larger spree of burglaries committed by Huang shortly after his arrival. He had previously broken into a luxury hotel suite in Sentosa, where he stole jewellery and a watch totalling S$30,000. The total value of items stolen across both locations amounted to an estimated S$105,000.
Apprehension and Legal Proceedings

Huang's activities were eventually discovered, leading to his arrest on December 8. He was traced back to his hotel by the police. Subsequently, Huang, aged 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of housebreaking in court on July 10 and is scheduled for sentencing on August 14.

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What made the Serangoon Gardens house appear vacant to the burglar?

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