On 13 September 2024, 30-year-old Chinese national, Jiang Yangbo (“Jiang”), was convicted and sentenced to 7 months’ imprisonment for the offence of theft committed on board an aircraft, under Section 379 of the Penal Code 1871 read with Section 3 of the Tokyo Convention Act 1971.
On 16 May 2024, Jiang dishonestly took a bag belonging to another passenger from the overhead compartment onboard an aircraft. He stole a credit card from within the bag before returning the bag to the compartment. His actions were witnessed by a fellow passenger. Upon landing at Changi Airport, the witness alerted the victim after noticing that the bag belonged to the victim and not Jiang. Together, the victim and the witness approached an Auxiliary Police Officer, who arrested Jiang.
The Police have zero tolerance against acts of theft on board an aircraft and will spare no effort to apprehend such offenders, who will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.
The Police would also like to remind members of the public to protect themselves from being victims of crime on board an aircraft. Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
Keep your cash or valuables with you at all times instead of placing them inside the overhead luggage compartments.
Be wary and keep a lookout for passengers who are seen opening up overhead compartments and retrieving baggage and rummaging through them during the flight.
Alert the cabin crew immediately of such suspicious behaviour.
Image of Mr Jiang Yangbo ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 September 2024 @ 5:00 PM