Man steals from 14 shops at Changi Airport, caught when he returns through same terminal
A 38-year-old Indian national has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than S$5,000 worth of items from multiple retail outlets at Jewel Changi Airport and the airport’s transit area.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the man is suspected of taking perfumes, cosmetics, and bags from 14 shops.
His alleged offences came to light after a missing item was discovered during a stocktake at one of the stores.
Source: Singapore Police Force
He was caught on 1 June when he returned to Changi Airport and was intercepted while in transit.
Supervisor discovers missing bag during stocktake
Police were first alerted on 29 May at about 4.28pm after a bag was reported missing from a retail outlet in Jewel Changi Airport.
A store supervisor had noticed the item was missing during a stocktake and reviewed CCTV footage, which showed the man taking the bag without paying.
Source: Singapore Police Force
By the time the man’s identity was established, he had already left Singapore.
However, just three days later, he returned and was arrested while transiting through Changi Airport.
Officers from the Airport Police Division searched his belongings and found several unaccounted-for items in his possession.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Further investigations, aided by CCTV footage, revealed that the man had allegedly stolen items from 13 other shops in Jewel and the transit area.
The total value of the stolen goods amounted to S$5,136.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Police have since recovered the items.
Suspect to face 14 charges in court
The man was charged in court on Friday (25 July) with 13 counts of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code.
Each charge carries a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
He also faces one count of fraudulent possession of property under Section 35(1) of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, which carries a maximum sentence of two years’ jail, a fine, or both.
Source: Singapore Police Force
In their statement, the police emphasised that they take a serious view of shop theft and will act firmly against offenders.
“Offenders should not think that they can evade capture by quickly boarding an outbound flight,” they warned.
They added that officers will continue to work closely with stakeholders and the community to prevent and deter such crimes.
Also read: Irishman arrested for allegedly stealing S$660 worth of perfumes from shop in Changi Airport
Irishman arrested for allegedly stealing S$660 worth of perfumes from shop in Changi Airport
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Featured image adapted from Singapore Police Force.
