A Sydney woman is expected to appear before Downing Centre local court today (25 January 2024) charged with allegedly stealing $50,225 worth of luxury designer items from a shop at Sydney International Airport.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP was committed to the safety and security of all major Australian airports, irrespective of the crime type.
“This woman allegedly abused her position within the airport terminal for personal gain.”
Supt. Blunden added:
“The AFP has a positive working relationship with airport businesses to prevent, detect and respond to this type of activity. Due to the cooperation of the store, as well as our longstanding partnership with Sydney Airport Corporation, we were able to resolve this matter swiftly which is a testament to our working relationships.”
AFP officers commenced an investigation into the matter on 9 January, 2024, following a complaint from a luxury airport store involving the alleged theft of items by an employee.
It will be alleged the Kingsgrove woman, 39, who was employed at the store, stole 15 items with an estimated value of $50,225.
Police executed a search warrant at the woman’s Kingsgrove home on 11 January, 2024, seizing four bracelets, three pens, two lighters, two bracelet keys, a pair of earrings, a wallet, a candle, a lighter and a men’s pendant.
Investigators also seized a Sydney Airport visitor pass, an Australian passport, and two electronic devices which will be subject to forensic examination and further investigation.
Head of Security at Sydney Airport 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 which contributed to the positive outcome.”
The woman was arrested and charged with larceny by clerks or servants, contrary to section 156 of the NSW Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), as applied by section 4(1) of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act 1970 (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
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