Australian Woman, 21, Arrested After Allegedly Stealing S$312 Perfume from Changi Airport Duty-Free Store
A 21-year-old Australian woman has been arrested after she allegedly stole a bottle of perfume worth more than S$300 from a duty-free shop at Changi Airport before leaving Singapore.
Police said the woman was identified through surveillance footage and arrested when she returned to Singapore more than a month later.
She is expected to face a charge of theft in court.
Perfume Reported Missing at Terminal 1
According to the Singapore Police Force, officers received a report of a shop theft at The Shilla Duty Free outlet in the departure transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 1 shortly after midnight on 12 June 2026.
Retail staff had earlier discovered that a box of perfume valued at S$312.80 was missing from a display shelf.
After reviewing the store’s surveillance footage, staff allegedly saw a woman taking the perfume before leaving the shop without paying.
Arrested When She Returned to Singapore
Investigators later established the identity of the suspect as a 21-year-old Australian woman.
She was arrested on 18 July 2026 when she returned to Singapore.
The woman was scheduled to be charged in court on 24 July with the offence of theft in dwelling.
If convicted, the offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Police Highlight Importance of Surveillance Footage
The police said surveillance cameras continue to play a key role in helping retailers investigate shop theft cases, even when suspects are not immediately caught.
They noted that businesses are increasingly relying on CCTV footage to identify offenders and lodge police reports after incidents occur.
Authorities added that while some offenders may initially avoid detection, surveillance evidence significantly increases the chances of them being identified and arrested at a later date.
The case serves as a reminder that theft investigations do not necessarily end when a suspect leaves the country, particularly when clear surveillance footage is available to assist investigators.