NCPC, SPF and Mediacorp Celebrate 40 Years of CrimeWatch by Reaching New Audiences Beyond Television

NCPC, SPF and Mediacorp commemorate four decades of Singapore's longest-running free-to-air television series through new content formats and platforms, including KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines' in-flight entertainment system, and gamified experiences for wider audiences.

Singapore, 31 August 2026 — 40 years after bringing crime prevention into Singaporeans' living rooms, CrimeWatch is entering a new chapter. To commemorate the programme's 40th anniversary and in response to today’s new audiences and changing consumption habits, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Mediacorp are working to launch an expanded campaign with a series of digital-first initiatives designed to deepen public engagement and social conversations around crime prevention. Moving beyond the traditional television medium, these initiatives will bring crime prevention into popular digital spaces to reach audiences wherever they are — on social media, through interactive gaming experiences, and even in the skies.

First launched in 1986, CrimeWatch has evolved alongside Singapore's changing crime landscape, expanding beyond physical crimes to address scams, cyber-enabled offences and emerging threats today. Through compelling reenactments of real cases, practical prevention advice and insights into police investigations, the programme continues to reach millions of viewers across free-to-air television and digital platforms, with many reporting heightened awareness of crime trends and safety measures after watching the episodes.

Over the past 40 years, CrimeWatch has produced over 350 episodes across four languages, growing from English and Mandarin broadcasts to include Malay and Tamil from 2001. More than just a television programme, CrimeWatch has become a familiar fixture in many households in Singapore, translating real crime cases into practical lessons that empower viewers, foster vigilance and make crime prevention part of everyday conversations. Today, it is a cultural touchstone for many Singaporeans and an enduring part of the nation's crime prevention journey.

Chairman of NCPC, Mr Gerald Singham, said: "For 40 years, CrimeWatch has demonstrated the power of storytelling in crime prevention. Through our longstanding partnership with SPF and Mediacorp, the programme has helped generations of Singaporeans recognise crime trends, stay vigilant and understand that keeping Singapore safe is a shared responsibility. This year, as NCPC marks its 45th anniversary, CrimeWatch's milestone is a testament to what can be achieved through sustained collaboration between the public, private and people sectors. It reflects our belief that effective crime prevention goes beyond enforcement and requires continuous innovation, trusted partnerships and meaningful public engagement. Whether through television, digital platforms, gamified experiences or new partnerships, our goal remains the same — to make crime prevention accessible, relevant and actionable for every generation.”

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Koh Wei Keong, Director, Public Affairs Department, Singapore Police Force said, “CrimeWatch has been an invaluable platform for public education for 40 years, helping Singaporeans stay alert to evolving crime trends. Through real case reenactments and transparent, relatable storytelling, the programme has strengthened public trust and confidence in the Police, while encouraging Singaporeans to look out for themselves and one another. As crime continues to evolve, so must our efforts to reach the public. SPF will continue to work closely with NCPC and Mediacorp to ensure crime prevention messages stay accessible, timely and relevant across every platform and generation.”

Sabanitha Shanmugasundram, Head, Commissioning & Community Engagement, Mediacorp said, “CrimeWatch is a testament to the strength of impactful storytelling in shaping public safety awareness. We value this partnership and are glad to have been part of this journey alongside NCPC and SPF for the last 40 years. As we continue to engage through original content formats and evolve across new platforms, we are confident that the show will also resonate with viewers beyond Singapore, demonstrating the relevance of its messages of crime prevention and vigilance, as well as the universal appeal of authentic storytelling.”

CrimeWatch Takes Flight with Singapore Airlines this September

From 1 September to 31 December 2026, CrimeWatch will make its debut on KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines' in-flight entertainment system, extending the programme’s reach to travellers from around the world for the first time. The programme offers local and international travellers a unique window into Singapore's crime prevention journey and the shared responsibility that continues to keep the nation safe.

Bringing CrimeWatch to Digital-Native Audiences

To complement the broadcast series, NCPC and Mediacorp have also expanded CrimeWatch's digital footprint through a range of social-first content designed to engage younger, digital-native audiences. This includes the first-ever CrimeWatch micro-drama series on TikTok which premiered on 12 June 2026, and is set to launch its second installment in November 2026. Starring Denise Camillia Tan and Shabir Sulthan as lead investigators, the series has garnered over 3 million views across its six episodes, demonstrating the continued relevance of crime prevention storytelling in new digital formats. NCPC and Mediacorp will also continue rolling out new digital content through weKaypoh and Beyond the Tape, offering authentic stories and behind-the-scenes perspectives from CrimeWatch cases that make crime prevention more relatable and accessible for today's audiences and viewing habits. 

Continuing the Journey Together

40 years on, CrimeWatch continues to evolve alongside Singapore's changing crime landscape. Executive Director of NCPC, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Devrajan Bala, said: "While the platforms of engagement may have changed, NCPC’s mission remains constant: to equip Singaporeans with the knowledge to recognise crime, protect themselves, and look out for one another. As part of this commitment, NCPC continues to explore innovative ways to make crime prevention more engaging and accessible, meeting audiences where they are through partnerships, digital content and interactive experiences”. One such initiative was the recent launch of the CrimeWatch quiz as part of #HuntTheMouse, a real-life treasure hunt organised by Singaporean gamification company Sqkii. Participants completed a series of CrimeWatch-themed questions to unlock clues and progress through the hunt, reinforcing key crime prevention messages in an engaging, interactive and accessible way. The campaign, which concluded on 26 July 2026, attracted over 9,500 participants taking the CrimeWatch quiz. 

Building on the success of the CrimeWatch 40th Anniversary Special, which aired on 5 July 2026, these initiatives extend conversations beyond broadcast and into the platforms where audiences increasingly discover and consume content, reflecting how NCPC and the programme continues to ensure its crime prevention messages remain accessible, relatable and actionable across generations. 

Members of the public can catch CrimeWatch on Channel 5, mewatch, Mediacorp Entertainment on YouTube and Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld, (from 1 September 2026), and follow CrimeWatch Singapore and NCPC's official social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and TikTok) for the latest crime prevention content and updates.