Two Indian Women Penalized for Theft at Singapore’s Changi Airport
Two Indian nationals were caught shoplifting during their transit at Singapore’s Changi Airport earlier this month, resulting in one being sentenced to jail and the other fined. The incidents highlight strict enforcement of theft laws at the international travel hub.
Goenka Simran Jailed for Eight Days
Goenka Simran, aged 29, was sentenced to eight days imprisonment after pleading guilty to theft. She admitted to stealing a yellow purse worth over SGD 300 from a Furla store at Terminal 3. The theft occurred around 1:40 pm while she was awaiting a connecting flight to Bali from Kolkata.
Authorities revealed that Goenka had concealed the purse on her luggage trolley and exited the store without paying. In addition, she confessed to stealing a bottle of perfume valued at more than SGD 200 from a cosmetics outlet at Terminal 2. The court took this prior charge into account during sentencing.
Garg Prasha Fined SGD 700 for Theft
A second woman, Garg Prasha, 30, was fined SGD 700 after pleading guilty to stealing a black haversack valued at over SGD 80 from a Charles & Keith store in Terminal 2. The theft took place early morning, around 7 am, shortly after she arrived in Singapore from India.
Garg placed the bag in her luggage trolley and left the store without paying. An employee promptly noticed the theft and alerted authorities. She was subsequently apprehended with the bag recovered intact. The presiding Deputy Principal District Judge commented on how quickly the offence occurred after her arrival and noted the recovery of the item as a mitigating factor.
Legal Consequences and Airport Security
Theft offenses in Singapore can carry severe penalties, including jail terms up to three years, fines, or both. Specifically, theft in dwelling may result in a jail sentence of up to seven years along with fines. These cases underscore the vigilance and strict judicial response to retail crime in major transit hubs like Changi Airport.
Singapore’s stance serves as a strong deterrent against theft, ensuring the safety and security of shoppers and retailers alike.
