Irish Man Allegedly Steals $658 Perfume from Changi Airport, Gets Arrested on Return Transit
A 43-year-old Irish national has been arrested at Changi Airport after he allegedly committed two separate perfume thefts from duty-free shops in the airport’s transit area — with the total value of the stolen goods amounting to S$658.70.
According to police, the man committed his first act of theft on 8 June, when he allegedly took two high-end perfumes worth S$491.70 from The Shilla Cosmetics & Perfumes outlet at Terminal 1 without paying. The incident only came to light the next morning during a routine stock check.
Authorities quickly reviewed CCTV footage and were able to identify the suspect. However, by then, he had already left Singapore.
Thief Returns to Singapore, Arrested While in Transit
Just five days later, on 13 June, the man unexpectedly returned to Changi Airport while in transit for another flight. Officers from the Airport Police Division, who had already flagged his identity, acted swiftly and arrested him on the spot.
Investigations revealed that prior to his arrest that same day, the man had allegedly struck again — this time stealing another bottle of perfume worth S$167 from another Shilla outlet at the same terminal.
Two out of the three stolen perfumes were recovered from him. They included a bottle of Chanel Chance Eau Tendre and another of Rabanne Million Gold.
Facing Jail Time for Theft in Dwelling
The man will be charged in court on 8 July for theft in dwelling, a serious offence under Singapore law. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison, fined, or both.
Singapore’s police force has reiterated its firm stance on theft cases, especially those involving retail spaces like airport duty-free zones. A spokesperson said: “We take a serious view of shop theft, particularly in key national infrastructure areas like Changi Airport. Offenders will be dealt with strictly.”
Police added that collaboration with retail stakeholders remains essential in deterring theft and protecting businesses operating in high-traffic zones.
Changi Airport a Tempting Target — But Not Without Consequences
Perfume theft may seem minor to some, but retail losses from transit shoplifting can stack up quickly — especially with luxury items that carry high resale value. With security surveillance deeply embedded across the airport, catching such offenders is usually only a matter of time.
The man’s brazen return to the scene of the crime, especially after already being under watch, now sees him potentially facing years behind bars.
As for the stolen goods, their partial recovery will come as cold comfort to the retailers involved — but the swift response reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a zero-tolerance zone for crime, even in transit.