S'porean man, 47, used Giant supermarket self-checkout machine to steal 143 items, jailed 1 month

A 47-year-old Singaporean man was sentenced to one month in jail on Oct. 9 for using a self-checkout machine to steal groceries from a Giant supermarket in Woodlands.

According to CNA, Chang Ka Phin tricked the supermarket's system by paying for cheap drinks after cancelling other transactions at the self-checkout machines in the store at Block 883 Woodlands Street 82.

He then repeated this act 26 times between January and March 2025.

Scanned multiple items then cancelled them

Chang stole a total of 143 items valued at about S$534.

Each time, he took various items to the self-checkout machines, scanned them, and then cancelled them.

He then scanned a drink costing 50 or 70 cents, causing the system to approve his transaction even though he only paid for the drink.

He was caught on Mar. 21 when a loss prevention officer at the supermarket noticed his suspicious behaviour.

The officer stopped Chang as he was leaving, asking him for his receipt.

When the staff printed out his receipt, it showed that he had only paid for a drink while several other items were in his bag.

Other offences uncovered

Chang's previous cheating offences came to light following further investigation, reported CNA.

He has since made full restitution, and also told the court that he regrets his actions.

The judge noted that cheating carries a mandatory jail sentence, with a maximum of 10 years' jail and a fine.

She acknowledged that the 26 occasions of cheating could not be ignored, but considered the total amount involved "not particularly significant", highlighting that Chang had made restitution.

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