On March 15, 2025, Singapore Police apprehended a 28-year-old female Indian national who was in transit at Changi Airport Terminal 2, following her suspected involvement in two separate cases of shop theft. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding retail theft in high-traffic areas such as airports.
Details of the Incident
The police were alerted to a theft at The Shilla Duty Free Cosmetic Shop located in the Departure Transit area of Terminal 2. During a routine inventory check, staff discovered that two bottles of perfume were missing. Surveillance footage revealed that the woman had entered the store and allegedly taken the items without making any payment.
Upon notification, a security officer on patrol quickly located the suspect within the transit area and detained her before she could leave Singapore. When confronted, the woman initially produced one bottle of perfume. However, a subsequent search of her bag uncovered an additional three bottles. Preliminary investigations indicated that she had also visited another retail outlet, where she had stolen two more bottles of perfume before exiting without paying. In total, four bottles of perfume valued at approximately $742 were recovered and returned to the respective shops.
Legal Proceedings
The woman is set to face charges in court on March 20, 2025, for theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871. This particular offence carries serious penalties, including a potential imprisonment term of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Police Stance on Retail Theft
The Singapore Police take a stringent stance against shop theft, emphasizing that offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. The police are committed to collaborating with various stakeholders, including retail businesses and the community, to prevent and deter such criminal activities.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in retail environments, especially in busy locations like airports where the flow of passengers is constant. The police encourage retail staff and the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to help maintain a safe shopping environment for everyone.