SINGAPORE, June 28 -- Singaporean authorities have reportedly attributed a rise in in-flight thefts across Asia to organised crime syndicates whose members exploit short transit windows to steal valuables from passengers.

The Straits Times cited Asst Comm M Malathi, commander of the Airport Police Division (APD) saying that syndicate members typically work in pairs, targeting passengers and leaving the country soon after landing.

"They will only take some cash and maybe one or two cards. They won't take your whole wallet, because if they do, it is easier to notice," she reportedly said.

"A timely report is important for our officers to quickly track and trace the suspects and intercept them before they catch their next flight."

This c...