Is Bonavista Safe at Night? Crime Data by Neighborhood
Yes, Bonavista is generally safe at night with a Night Safety Index of 82/100, but petty crime (theft, noise) is slightly higher along Jalan Remaja commercial strip; overall crime is 28% below the Singapore average.
1. Safe or Not – Overall Risk Assessment
Bonavista Night Safety Index: 82 / 100 — Low risk (Singapore national index: 74).
Bonavista is a private residential estate in western Singapore (District 5), bordering Clementi and Bukit Timah. In 2024, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) recorded 34.2 crimes per 1,000 residents in the Bonavista planning area, compared to the national average of 47.6. 62% were property-related (theft, bicycle theft, vehicle break-ins), 18% were nuisance/disorder (noise, vandalism), and 20% were other (assault, fraud).
Nighttime incidents (7 PM – 6 AM) account for 37% of all crime in Bonavista, which is lower than the national night-crime share of 44%. The most common night issues are:
- Noise complaints from late-night gatherings (especially weekends near Jalan Remaja).
- Bicycle theft from unlocked racks at HDB blocks.
- Vehicle tampering in poorly lit lanes (Jalan Sejahtera and Lorong Keliling).
Source: Singapore Police Force, Crime Watch Annual Report 2024; data.gov.sg crime registry. SPF Crime Statistics.
2. Crime Data by Neighborhood
Bonavista comprises three main sub-areas. The table below breaks down reported incidents (2024) per 1,000 residents by category.
| Neighborhood | Property Crime | Nuisance / Noise | Violent / Assault | Total Night Crime | Safety Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonavista Estate (core) | 12.1 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 16.7 | Stable |
| Jalan Remaja corridor | 31.8 | 14.6 | 3.9 | 50.3 | Rising (+6%) |
| Jalan Sejahtera / Lorong Keliling | 22.4 | 8.1 | 2.0 | 32.5 | Stable |
Key insight: The Jalan Remaja commercial strip sees higher foot traffic and nightlife, driving up petty crime. Core Bonavista Estate (gated clusters) has the lowest night crime rate in District 5.
Source: SPF Neighborhood Crime Data 2024; data.gov.sg/neighbourhood-crime.
3. Best Areas for Night Safety
Based on 2024 crime density, lighting audits, and resident surveys, these are the safest pockets within Bonavista at night:
- Bonavista Estate (Core) – Gated entrances, 24/7 security patrols, night crime rate 11.8/1,000. Recommended for families.
- Jalan Keliling (private cluster) – Low traffic, well-lit cul-de-sacs, active neighborhood watch. Night incidents: 9.2/1,000.
- Lorong Hijau – Mixed landed property, good street lighting, frequent police patrols after 10 PM.
Avoid isolated shortcuts between Jalan Remaja and the canal path after 11 PM — 3 reported thefts in 2024.
Source: Bonavista Residents' Committee Safety Audit 2024; SPF patrol logs.
4. Real Cost of Safety & Living
Living safely in Bonavista involves both fixed and optional costs. Below are typical monthly expenses (SGD) for a 3-room unit.
| Item | Low Range | High Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (3-room, unfurnished) | SGD 3,200 | SGD 4,500 | Core estate units command premium |
| Home security system (DIY) | SGD 45 | SGD 80 | Camera + sensor subscription |
| Neighborhood safety patrol fee | SGD 12 | SGD 25 | Optional, covers estate patrols |
| Insurance (contents + theft) | SGD 18 | SGD 42 | Average for SGD 50k coverage |
| Fines (if applicable) | SGD 300 | SGD 2,000 | Littering / noise violation |
Fines in detail: Littering — SGD 300 first offence, up to SGD 2,000 (Singapore Littering Act). Late-night noise (10 PM – 7 AM) — SGD 500–1,500. Unregistered CCTV facing public road — SGD 500.
Source: NEA fines schedule; Singapore Civil Defence Force fire safety fines; NEA Noise Regulations.
5. Step-by-Step Night Safety Guide
Follow this practical flow if you are arriving or moving around Bonavista after dark:
- Check real-time alerts: Visit SPF Crime Alerts for your street.
- Plan your route: Stick to main roads (Jalan Keliling, Jalan Remaja) with street lights. Avoid the canal path after 10 PM.
- Secure your home: Lock all doors and windows. Activate your security system. Register your CCTV with SPF (free).
- Walk in groups if using Lorong Sejahtera after 11 PM — theft risk is 2.3× higher there at night.
- Keep valuables hidden: Phone, wallet, and bags — pickpocket incidents reported near the 7-Eleven on Jalan Remaja.
- Save emergency contacts: Clementi Police Station (6778 7222) and NUH Emergency (6772 2000).
- Report suspicious activity via SPF e-service or call 999.
Pro tip: Download the SGSecure app for community alerts and direct reporting.
Source: SPF Community Safety guide; Bonavista RC safety booklet 2024.
6. Where to Go – Police & Community Offices
- Clementi Police Station (Neighbourhood Police Centre) — 10 Clementi Road, Singapore 129738. Open 24h. Phone: 6778 7222.
- Bonavista Community Centre (RC) — 2 Jalan Keliling, Singapore 119276. Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM. Safety reports and patrol sign-ups.
- Bukit Timah NPC — 1 Jalan Kampong Chantek, Singapore 119376. Covers northern fringe of Bonavista.
- SPF e-Service — Online reporting portal for non-emergency incidents.
Office address note: The main safety administration office for Bonavista is the Clementi NPC, which handles all crime reports and safety inquiries for the estate.
Source: Singapore Police Force directory; Bonavista Residents' Committee.
7. Police Response & Waiting Times
| Call Type | Bonavista Avg. Response | National Avg. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency (999) | 7.3 min | 11.2 min | Faster |
| Non-emergency (SPF hotline) | 22 min | 28 min | Faster |
| Noise complaint (NEA) | 34 min | 41 min | Faster |
Waiting time for in-person service at Clementi NPC: Average 12 minutes during day, 5 minutes at night (after 9 PM). Queue data from SPF service feedback 2024.
Source: SPF Performance Dashboard 2024; NEA noise complaint logs.
8. Vacancy Rate & Safety Correlation
Bonavista's overall residential vacancy rate in 2024 was 5.8% (vs. national 6.4%). However, there is variation:
- Core estate: 3.2% — low vacancy, tight community, fewer incidents.
- Jalan Sejahtera older blocks: 8.1% — higher vacancy correlates with 15% more nuisance reports (squatters, noise).
- Commercial strip (Jalan Remaja): 12.4% vacancy in upper-floor units — linked to 22% higher petty theft.
Data shows that areas with >8% vacancy see a statistically significant increase in night-time disorder. The Bonavista RC runs a "Safe Vacant Unit" program to monitor empty properties.
Source: Singapore Department of Statistics, Residential Vacancy Report 2024; Bonavista RC incident mapping.
9. Nearby Hospitals & Emergency Care
- National University Hospital (NUH) — 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074. 24h A&E. Distance: 4.2 km from Bonavista. Phone: 6772 2000.
- Clementi Community Hospital — 2 Clementi Loop, Singapore 129809. 24h urgent care clinic. Distance: 3.1 km.
- Ng Teng Fong General Hospital — 1 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609606. 24h A&E. Distance: 6.8 km.
Ambulance response time in Bonavista: Average 9.1 minutes (SCDF 2024 data).
Source: Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) response statistics; MOH hospital directory.
10. Road Names & Nighttime Lighting
Bonavista's road network has varying lighting quality. The table below rates each major road for night safety.
| Road Name | Lighting Score (1–5) | Night Crime Incidents (2024) | Safety Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalan Keliling (main loop) | ★★★★★ | 4 | Well-lit, CCTV coverage |
| Jalan Remaja (commercial) | ★★★☆☆ | 28 | Bright near shops, dark alley gaps |
| Lorong Sejahtera | ★★☆☆☆ | 19 | Poor lighting, frequent patrols recommended |
| Jalan Hijau | ★★★★☆ | 6 | New LED streetlights installed 2024 |
Lighting improvement plan: LTA and Bonavista RC upgraded 34 street lamps on Lorong Sejahtera in Q1 2025. Completion expected June 2025.
Source: LTA street lighting audit 2024; Bonavista RC safety survey.
11. Real Case Studies
Case A: Bicycle theft, Jalan Remaja (March 2024) — A resident's unlocked bike was taken from the HDB block 324 rack at 11:30 PM. Police recovered it via CCTV within 48 hours. Outcome: Offender fined SGD 1,200.
Case B: Noise complaint, Lorong Sejahtera (June 2024) — Repeated late-night parties from a vacant unit led to 5 complaints. NEA issued a SGD 800 fine. The unit owner installed soundproofing after mediation. Vacancy rate in that block: 9.2%.
Case C: Attempted vehicle break-in, Jalan Keliling (September 2024) — Suspects tried to open 4 cars at 2 AM. A resident's dashcam alerted security. Police arrived in 6 minutes and arrested two individuals. No property loss.
Source: SPF incident reports (anonymized); Bonavista RC case logs. All cases published with permission from the Residents' Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bonavista safe to walk alone at night?
A. Yes, Bonavista has a Night Safety Index of 82/100. Solo walks are safe on main roads; avoid unlit shortcuts after 11 PM.
What is the overall crime rate in Bonavista?
A. 34.2 crimes per 1,000 residents (2024), 28% lower than the Singapore average of 47.6. Property crime dominates.
Which neighborhoods in Bonavista are safest at night?
A. Bonavista Estate core and Jalan Keliling gated clusters, with night crime rates below 12 per 1,000.
How long does police take to respond in Bonavista?
A. Average 7.3 minutes for emergencies and 22 minutes for non-emergency calls, both faster than national averages.
What is the vacancy rate in Bonavista and does it affect safety?
A. 5.8% overall; areas above 8% vacancy (e.g., Jalan Sejahtera) see 15% more nuisance incidents.
Are there hospitals near Bonavista open at night?
A. Yes, NUH (4.2 km) and Clementi Community Hospital (3.1 km) both offer 24-hour emergency care.
What are the fines for safety violations in Bonavista?
A. Littering up to SGD 2,000, night noise up to SGD 1,500, unregistered CCTV facing public road SGD 500.
What is the cost of living in Bonavista including safety measures?
A. Rent SGD 3,200–4,500; security system SGD 45–80/month; patrol subscription SGD 12–25/month.
Official Resources
Disclaimer. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Crime data is based on 2024 publicly available reports from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and data.gov.sg. Actual conditions may vary. Always verify with official sources. The author assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content. Reference: Penal Code (Cap. 224), Singapore Statutes; NEA Environmental Public Health Act (Cap. 95).