Changi, Singapore:A 62-year-old woman of Indian origin was apprehended at Singapore’s Changi Airport after stealing merchandise worth over $1,120 from several stores in the airport’s transit zone. The thefts occurred just before her scheduled flight, making the incident particularly surprising given the rarity of such events at airports.

On December 23, airport staff became suspicious of the woman’s behavior, which led them to notify authorities. She was seen repeatedly entering and exiting various shops without purchasing anything, raising red flags. Upon investigation, it was revealed that several items, including perfumes and souvenirs, were missing.

A staff member confirmed the theft and immediately informed the police. The airport authorities responded quickly, apprehending the woman before she could board her flight. The stolen goods were discovered hidden inside her carry-on luggage.

Further inquiries showed that the woman had visited four different stores, where she allegedly placed items in her bag and left without paying. Despite her age, she appeared to be skilled in evading detection.

The woman, a citizen of India, is facing theft charges and is scheduled to appear in court on January 23. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine.

Authorities have reaffirmed their zero-tolerance approach to shoplifting, particularly in high-traffic locations like airports. They assured the public of their ongoing efforts to collaborate with airport personnel and retailers to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This case is especially troubling as it involves an elderly individual, who is typically viewed as a figure of trust and dignity. It highlights the need for constant vigilance from both travelers and retail staff to quickly identify and address such offenses.