On 24 January, a 33-year-old air stewardess, Nguyen Kieu Trang, was sentenced to five days’ imprisonment for stealing products worth S$325 from the Sephora store located at Marina Bay Sands. The Vietnamese national pleaded guilty to one count of theft in court on January 24, 2024.
The Theft Incident at Sephora
The incident occurred on November 20, 2023, when Nguyen entered Sephora and requested the staff to provide her with five Gucci lipsticks, each valued at S$65. As the staff handed over the requested lipsticks, they also provided Nguyen with additional freebies, including a mirror, a little purse, a small bottle of perfume, and a mini Gucci-branded lipstick.
Taking advantage of the situation, Nguyen placed all the received products into her personal bag and then concealed her bag inside a Sephora shopping bag. Subsequently, she lingered around in the store, seemingly waiting for an opportunity to leave the premises with her loot without paying.
Attempt to Evade Detection
After spending an additional three minutes in the store, Nguyen exited without making any payment and made her way towards the food court. Alerted by the staff, security was promptly called to address the situation.
Upon realizing that Nguyen had headed to the food court, the staff sought the assistance of security. Approximately an hour later, security personnel apprehended Nguyen at the food court, leading to the involvement of the police.
Legal Consequences
The police arrested Nguyen on the spot and successfully recovered the stolen products, amounting to S$325 in value. As a consequence of her actions, Nguyen Kieu Trang was sentenced to five days’ imprisonment for the theft from Sephora.
This incident serves as a reminder of the legal consequences individuals may face for engaging in theft, regardless of their profession. The case highlights the importance of upholding ethical conduct and respecting the property and regulations of businesses. As individuals, it is crucial to make choices that align with legal and ethical standards to avoid legal repercussions and maintain personal integrity.