Chilean Traveller Charged After Allegedly Stealing Sunglasses From Changi Airport Shop
A Chilean national has been charged in Singapore after allegedly stealing a pair of designer sunglasses worth nearly S$390 from a retail store inside Changi Airport before attempting to leave the country.
The incident reportedly took place in the transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 2, where a retail assistant discovered that a pair of sunglasses had gone missing from a display shelf during the early hours of the morning.
After reviewing security camera footage, staff allegedly spotted a man taking the sunglasses and leaving the store without making payment.
Suspect Allegedly Discarded Item After Being Spotted
According to police, the retail assistant followed the man after noticing the suspicious behaviour.
When the suspect realised he was being observed, he allegedly threw away the sunglasses in an apparent attempt to avoid detection.
The sunglasses, valued at S$389.91, were later recovered.
Authorities were subsequently alerted to the incident, prompting officers from the Airport Police Division to launch investigations.
Arrested Before Flight Could Depart
Through ground enquiries and the examination of CCTV footage, police were able to identify the suspect as a 45-year-old Chilean man.
Officers moved quickly and arrested him before his scheduled flight departed from Singapore, preventing him from leaving the country while investigations were ongoing.
The swift action by airport authorities ensured that the suspect remained in Singapore to face legal proceedings.
Faces Multiple Charges In Court
The man appeared in court on 5 June and was charged with theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code.
If convicted, he could face a jail sentence of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
In addition to the theft charge, he was also accused of preventing the course of justice after allegedly discarding the sunglasses when confronted.
That offence similarly carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Police Warn Against Shop Theft At Changi Airport
The Singapore Police Force reiterated that it takes a serious stance against shop theft and warned offenders not to assume they can evade detection.
Police highlighted that Changi Airport is equipped with extensive surveillance systems and that officers work closely with airport operators and retailers to combat theft-related offences.
The case also serves as a reminder that travellers passing through Singapore’s airports remain subject to local laws, regardless of their nationality or travel status.