Two men aged 42 and 50 have been arrested by the airport police for committing theft onboard an aircraft on July 26.
A male victim onboard a Silkair flight discovered that A$2300 (S$2699) was missing from his hand-carry bag which was placed in the overhead compartment, after the plane landed in Singapore from Phnom Penh.
During the ensuing commotion, a witness revealed to the cabin crew that he saw one of the suspects opening the overhead compartment and taking the victim's bag. Meanwhile, another suspect approached the passenger and returned the missing A$2300 to him.
Both suspects were detained and subsequently arrested by the Airport Police.
Both suspects will be charged in Court on July 27, 2013 for an offence of theft with common intention under Section 379 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 and read with Section 3(1) of the Tokyo Convention Act, Chapter 327.
Deputy Commander of Airport Police Division, Superintendent of Police Bobby Fay commended the proactive crime prevention announcement made by Pilot and the alertness of the witness. He added that Airport Police will continue to work closely with the airlines to enhance cabin security.
Passengers are also strongly advised to exercise caution and keep their cash or valuables with them at all times, and to report any suspicious behaviour to the crew members immediately.
So far this year, 37 cases of theft from overhead luggage compartments onboard aircrafts have been reported and Police have arrested 30 individuals in connection with these crimes.
grongloh@sph.com.sg