Mother and son set to be charged over theft at Changi Airport

After further investigations, the teenager was found to have stolen items with a total value of close to $5,000 from six retail stores in the transit area, the police said.

His mother allegedly stole a box of perfume valued at around $150 in a separate incident. She is also believed to have received a pair of stolen sunglasses from her son.

The police said officers from the Airport Police Division found the teenager with his mother before the pair could depart Singapore.

The three pairs of sunglasses, together with other items suspected to be stolen, were recovered from the pair, the police added.

The 16-year-old will be charged with six counts of theft in dwelling, while the woman will be charged with one count of theft in dwelling and one count of receiving stolen property.

Those found guilty of theft in dwelling can be jailed for up to seven years, fined, or both. Those convicted of receiving stolen property can be jailed for up to five years, fined, or both.