S'porean man, 21, who took tip jar from Jewel Changi Airport dessert shop arrested

A man who was seen taking a tip jar from a dessert shop in Jewel Changi Airport on Nov. 30, has been arrested for his suspected involvement in up to six cases of theft at Changi Airport terminals and Jewel.

The man, a 21-year-old Singaporean, will be charged in court for theft in dwelling, police said in a Dec. 4 release.

Suspected serial tip box thief

On Nov. 25, police were alerted to a case of theft at a food and beverage establishment at Changi Airport Terminal 1.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man allegedly took a tip box containing cash from the establishment on Nov. 24, police said.

Officers from the Airport Police Division established his identity with the aid of CCTV footage and arrested him on Dec. 4.

An assortment of currencies, believed to be stolen, was found on him and seized by police.

Police said the man is also believed to be involved in five other similar theft cases at the terminals of Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport.

Mothership understands that one of the theft cases occurred at Chow Zan Dessert at Jewel Changi Airport during the wee hours of Nov. 30.

Surveillance footage showed the man waltzing into the store before making off with the entire tip jar from the counter.

Shop staff estimated that the amount stolen in that incident was less than S$100.

Will be charged in court

Police said the man will be charged in court on Dec. 5 for the offence of theft in dwelling.

If found guilty, he can be jailed up to seven years or fined.

Police advised businesses, especially those operating in high-traffic public areas such as airports and shopping malls, to secure valuables, including tip boxes and cash containers, to prevent opportunistic theft.

Top image from Sgfollowsall / Telegram & Changi Airport website