SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Two travellers flew into Singapore from Kolkata, India, on June 2 and stayed in transit at Changi Airport before continuing their journey to Bali.
While in transit, the pair stole from shops at the airport but were quickly caught by the authorities.
Garg Prasha, 30, entered the Charles & Keith store at Terminal 2 after arriving from India.
While browsing in the shop at around 7am, she spotted a black haversack bag on display, took it and then placed it into the luggage trolley she was pushing. She then left the shop without paying.
An employee noticed what had happened, and a police report was made.
Garg was found and arrested shortly after with the haversack, worth more than $80, recovered in its original condition.
On June 16, she was given a fine of $700 after pleading guilty to one count of theft.
Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan said Garg had committed the offence less than an hour after arriving in Singapore.
“The only saving grace was that the bag was recovered, but she has been effectively caught red-handed here,” said the judge.
Meanwhile, Goenka Simran, 29, was also sentenced on June 16 to eight days’ jail after she pleaded guilty to one count of theft in dwelling. Another similar charge was taken into consideration during her sentencing.
Goenka had also flown into Singapore on June 2 and was awaiting in transit for her connecting flight to Bali at Terminal 3.
The court heard that she entered the Furla store at 1.40pm and saw a yellow purse on display. She took the purse, worth more than $300, and placed it on the luggage trolley she was pushing, before leaving the store without making payment.
She also admitted to stealing a bottle of perfume at a cosmetics store at Terminal 2, valued at more than $200.
“She was only supposed to be in Singapore for 10 hours, but she decided to help herself to the goods worth more than $500 in total during that time,” said the judge.
“She would have gotten away if not for the quick actions of the authorities and staff, and once she gets away, it would be impossible to recover the items.”
The prosecution added that while Garg and Goenka knew each other, they did not act as part of a syndicate.
Those who commit theft can be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both.
The offence of theft in dwelling carries a jail term of up to seven years and a fine. - The Straits Times/ANN
