Are thefts at Hawker centres common?

I arrived in Singapore for the first time yesterday, and visited Maxwell Hawker centre today. I read online that it’s common practise to ‘claim’ tables by placing something on them, before getting food.

I left ~$30 of groceries to do this, as the only other thing I had on me at the time was my phone. When I came back with food 5 minutes later, there was a group seated there and my groceries had been taken.

Not a big deal, but I was wondering if this type of theft is common in Hawker centres? I’ll be sure to bring along something invaluable to place on tables next time.

Netizens’ comments

Honestly, this is the first time I’ve heard of this….. usually nothing gets taken(unless it’s cash? Likely coz they can’t find the person who dropped it) and leaving a packet of tissue would suffice for “reservation”

This is the first time I’ve heard of groceries being stolen, I’m so sorry you experienced this as a visiting tourist. I would advice you to place a packet of tissue instead moving forward. Hope you have a great time visiting our country!

Maybe they thought it was rubbish and cleared it.

I just saw someone using his handphone to reserve his table last week in a small coffeeshop. Even in safe Singapore, it’s the first I’ve seen and I felt nervous for him too. Like others have said, sorry you had a negative experience! Glad to hear you don’t sound too affected by it, and hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here.

I once choped a table at a hawker centre with a black and white portrait of myself and it worked wonders, especially during the hungry ghost month.