A girl was reportedly captured on CCTV allegedly stealing a soon-to-be-discontinued Labubu doll from a shop in Plaza Singapura on October 16. The incident occurred at the claw machine shop “Clawpitiam” around 1:30 PM.
Footage shared on the shop’s Facebook page shows a girl wearing a black and white t-shirt and jeans entering the store, taking a box from the shelf, and leaving without making a purchase. The post humorously warned, “Say cheese! You are on candid camera gal! You have 24 hours to come back to my shop to surrender before I head over to the police station.”
The missing box contained a first-generation Labubu Macaron V1 doll, which is set to be discontinued as the second generation of Labubu dolls is about to be released. The shop owner explained that while the original price was approximately S$20, the limited availability has driven the market price up to around S$50.
The owner, who typically runs the shop alone, was not present at the counter during the incident. He noted that the girl appeared to check for his presence before allegedly taking the box and exiting the store.
In an effort to resolve the situation amicably, the owner hopes the girl will see the social media post and return the doll. He is still contemplating whether to file a police report, stating, “She looks quite young, so I want to give her a second chance. I hope she can return the product so we won’t need to pursue the matter further.”
This incident has sparked discussions about shoplifting and the importance of community awareness, as the owner seeks a resolution that avoids legal action.
Criminal Charges
- Theft Under Section 378 of the Penal Code: Shoplifting is classified as theft, which is defined as the act of dishonestly taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. If convicted, the penalties can vary based on the value of the stolen goods.
- Value of Goods:
- Goods Valued at S$500 or Less: If the value of the stolen items is S$500 or less, the offender may face a maximum imprisonment of up to 3 years, a fine, or both.
- Goods Valued Over S$500: For items valued over S$500, the penalties become more severe, with a maximum imprisonment of up to 7 years, a fine, or both.
Additional Penalties
- Repeat Offenders: Individuals with prior convictions for theft or related offenses may face harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences.
- Civil Liabilities: In addition to criminal charges, shoplifters may also face civil liabilities. Retailers often pursue recovery of losses through civil suits, which can include the cost of the stolen items and additional damages.
- Community Service: In some cases, first-time offenders may be offered the option of community service as part of a diversion program, especially if the value of the stolen goods is low.