The Police have arrested a 38-year-old male Indian national for his suspected involvement in multiple cases of shop theft within Jewel Changi Airport and in the transit area of Changi Airport Terminals.
On 29 May 2025 at about 4.28pm, the Police were alerted to a case of shop theft after a bag was discovered missing from a retail outlet located in Jewel Changi Airport. Preliminary investigations revealed that the retail supervisor had discovered the bag missing after a stock take. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, the man was seen taking the item and leaving the shop without paying. While the man’s identity was established, he had already departed from Singapore.
On 1 June 2025, the man returned to Singapore and was arrested whilst he was on transit in Changi Airport. Airport Police Division officers conducted a search on the man’s belongings and discovered several unaccounted items in his possession.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of CCTV footages, officers established that the man had allegedly committed theft from thirteen other shops in Jewel Changi Airport and the transit area of Changi Airport Terminals, where he took various items including perfumes, cosmetics, and bags without paying. The stolen items, with a total value of $5,136, were recovered from the man's possession.
The man will be charged in court on 25 July 2025 with 13 counts of Theft in Dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both. The man will face another count of fraudulent possession of property under Section 35(1) of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906. The offence carries an imprisonment term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
The Police take a serious view of shop theft cases and offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. Offenders should not think that they can evade capture by quickly boarding an outbound flight. The Police will continue to work closely with stakeholders and the community to prevent and deter cases of shop theft.
ITEMS ALLEGEDLY STOLEN FROM VARIOUS SHOPS
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
23 July 2025 @ 7:25 PM