The quiet neighborhood of Marine Parade witnessed an unsettling incident as a domestic helper, Sri Hastuti, betrayed the trust of her employer, according to The Straits Times.
In a series of calculated moves, she pocketed gold bars and jewelry, totaling over $57,000, from her employer’s supposedly secure drawer. What followed was a year-long escapade of pawning stolen items and sending the cash back to her family in Indonesia.
Background
In a shocking revelation, the serene routine of a Marine Parade household was disrupted when the employer discovered missing items from a previously unlocked drawer in the master bedroom. The culprit, Sri Hastuti, had been employed by a German man, adding an international twist to the case.
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities employers face when entrusting their homes to domestic helpers. It sheds light on the importance of security measures and the need for stringent background checks when hiring help.
The Culprit – Sri Hastuti
Sri Hastuti, a 39-year-old domestic helper, had been entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining a German man’s residence. The absence of specific employment start dates raises questions about the duration of her employment.
The employer’s decision to leave the master bedroom unlocked for cleaning purposes inadvertently provided Sri Hastuti with an opportunity to exploit the situation.
The thefts occurred between July 2022 and September 2023, revealing the extent of Sri Hastuti’s deceptive actions over an extended period.
Modus Operandi
The employer’s practice of leaving the master bedroom unlocked for cleaning inadvertently facilitated Sri Hastuti’s thieving activities.
Sri Hastuti chose a methodical approach, pawning the stolen items at multiple locations across the country.
The ill-gotten gains were transferred to Sri Hastuti’s family in Indonesia, creating a web of financial deceit.
Sri Hastuti faced legal repercussions, charged with theft as a servant of her employer’s property.
On November 21, she received a 15-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to the charge.