Recent news about local actor and TV host Ben Yeo’s coffeeshop, Tan Xiang Chai Chee, being targeted by two break-ins within just 10 days has once again highlighted an important issue faced by many F&B businesses in Singapore to protect cash takings and valuables after business hours.
According to media reports, the first break-in resulted in more than S$900 being stolen from a tenant’s economy rice stall. CCTV footage showed the suspect entering through the back of the premises before forcing open a locked metal cabinet to access the safe.
Just 10 days later, the same stall was targeted again. This time, however, the newly upgraded safe successfully resisted the break-in attempt, preventing any loss of cash or valuables.
The Right Safe Can Make All the Difference
While no safe can guarantee that a burglary will never happen, choosing a professionally tested and certified burglary-resistant safe can significantly reduce the risk of theft.
In this case, the upgraded safe proved to be an effective deterrent. Unable to force it open, the burglar left empty-handed—demphasizing how investing in the right security solution can help protect a business from financial loss.
Why F&B Businesses Are Common Targets
Restaurants, cafés, coffeeshops, and retail outlets often keep cash on-site for daily operations. Criminals know that these businesses may store cash overnight or during closing hours, making them attractive targets.
Common vulnerabilities include:
- Standard cabinets that can be easily forced open.
- Lightweight safes that are not securely anchored.
- Non-certified safes with limited burglary resistance.
- Cash left in drawers or unsecured storage.
- Insufficient CCTV coverage or access control.
Choosing the Right Safe for Your Business
When selecting a safe, business owners should look beyond price and consider the level of protection it provides.
A quality commercial safe should offer:
- Burglary-resistant certification that has been independently tested.
- Solid steel construction designed to withstand forced entry.
- High-security locking systems, including digital or mechanical combination locks.
- Professional installation with secure anchoring to prevent removal.
- Appropriate cash storage capacity for daily business operations.
For businesses handling larger amounts of cash, higher-security safes certified to recognised international standards provide greater protection and peace of mind.
Security Is an Investment, Not an Expense
The cost of replacing stolen cash, repairing damaged property, and dealing with business disruption can easily exceed the investment in a quality safe.
By combining a certified safe with CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, proper cash-handling procedures, and regular security reviews, businesses can greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming an easy target.
The recent incidents at Ben Yeo’s coffeeshop serve as a timely reminder that while burglaries cannot always be prevented, the right security measures can make all the difference. A professionally installed, high-security safe may be the factor that stops a break-in from becoming a costly loss.
If you’re looking to upgrade your business security, our team can recommend certified safes designed for retail shops, restaurants, cafés, offices, and commercial premises. We offer expert consultation, professional installation, and after-sales support to help protect what matters most.
Source: https://mothership.sg/2026/07/ben-yeo-coffee-shop-burglary/