Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Jun 21: A female European tourist has been sentenced to one month in jail for shoplifting a luxury handbag worth Dh7,000 from a high-end retail store in a Dubai mall. Following the completion of her prison term, she will be deported from the UAE.

According to court records, the theft came to light when a store employee noticed the disappearance of the handbag shortly after a group of five — one man and four women — visited the store posing as customers. The group reportedly engaged the staff in conversation to divert attention.

Sensing something suspicious, the employee later reviewed the store’s CCTV footage, which clearly captured one of the women discreetly stealing the expensive handbag while the rest of the group distracted staff. The act appeared to be well-coordinated and premeditated.

Dubai Police launched an immediate investigation upon receiving the report. After reviewing the surveillance footage, they tracked down the suspect and arrested her. During questioning, she confessed to the theft, admitting she committed the act while visiting the mall with her siblings.

The woman was referred to the Misdemeanour Court, which found her guilty and sentenced her to one month in prison, followed by deportation.

Dubai Police reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on shoplifting, stating that retail theft — regardless of the item’s value or the offender’s nationality — is a serious crime with legal consequences.