Luxury items stolen at airport store
An employee at one of Australia’s busiest international airports has been arrested after allegedly stealing $50,000 in designer goods, including Cartier bracelets and earrings.
Police allege the 39-year-old woman was employed at a luxury shopfront at Sydney International Airport when she stole 15 items, which had an estimated value of $50,225.
The cache of designer goods was allegedly located by police after a search of the woman’s south Sydney home on January 11, and included brands such as Swizz brand Cartier.
In total, detectives seized from the home four bracelets, three pens, two lighters, two bracelet keys, a pair of earrings, a wallet, a candle, a lighter and a men’s pendant.
Police also seized a Sydney Airport visitor pass, an Australian passport, and two electronic devices which will be subject to forensic examination and further investigation.
The woman has since been charged with larceny by clerks or servants and is expected to appear before Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP was committed to the safety and security of all major Australian airports, no matter the type of alleged crime.
“This woman allegedly abused her position within the airport terminal for personal gain,” Superintendent Blunden said.
“The AFP has a positive working relationship with airport businesses to prevent, detect and respond to this type of activity.
“Due to the co-operation of the store, as well as our longstanding partnership with Sydney Airport Corporation, we were able to resolve this matter swiftly.”
AFP officers first launched their investigation into the matter on January 9 after the luxury airport store complaint about the alleged theft of items by an employee. Head of Sydney Airport Head of Security Graham White said the airport had zero-tolerance for crime, and especially criminal acts committed within the precinct.
“We’d like to thank the AFP for their commitment to resolving this matter swiftly, and our airport operations team and retail tenant for their collaborative efforts,” he said.
