2 men nabbed over stealing perfumes worth hundreds of dollars in separate cases at Changi Airport

An Australian man, aged 37, and an American man, 50, have been apprehended for stealing perfumes in two separate incidents at Singapore's Changi Airport. One of the men was captured after transiting through Singapore over eight months post the theft. Both are scheduled to face court on August 17, according to police statements released on August 16. The theft offense, classified as dwelling theft, could result in up to seven years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The Australian suspect was alerted by a retail assistant at a shop in Changi Airport Terminal 2's transit area on November 19, 2025, around 6:45pm. CCTV footage revealed the man taking two boxes of perfumes worth approximately $430 and leaving without payment. Despite initially evading detection, the suspect was arrested on August 4 when he transited through Changi Airport.

In a separate incident, an American man was apprehended after stealing a perfume costing over $310 from a store in Changi Airport Terminal 1's transit area on August 5, around 1:25am. CCTV footage showed the American man taking the perfume and leaving without payment at 12:40am. Further investigation revealed that he had also stolen a perfume box worth more than $170 and a perfume tester worth more than $230 from two other stores in the transit area. All three stolen items, totaling more than $717, were recovered.

Assistant Commissioner of Police M. Malathi emphasized the police's serious stance against shop theft, stating that advancements in CCTV technology have significantly aided in the detection of such offenses. She warned that even if criminals manage to evade detection initially, investigations will still lead to their identification and arrest. Malathi also noted that the airport police unit will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to prevent and deter shop theft at Changi Airport.