A European woman has been sentenced to pay Dh15,000 after being convicted of shoplifting at a Dubai gold jewellery store. The incident, which took place in March, involved the theft of a necklace valued at Dh10,000. The Dubai Misdemeanours and Violations Court imposed a fine of Dh5,000 and an additional Dh10,000 in compensation to the store.
Incident and Investigation
The theft was discovered when a salesman noticed that a necklace had gone missing shortly after the woman’s visit. Surveillance footage showed her taking the necklace and concealing it in her handbag before leaving the store. The footage helped authorities identify the suspect, leading them to her vehicle. She was subsequently arrested.
During police questioning, the woman admitted to taking the necklace but explained that she had been emotionally distressed due to the recent death of her sister. She claimed that she did not intend to steal the item. However, the court found that the evidence clearly showed her intent to commit theft.
Court’s Decision
In her defence, the woman’s lawyer asked for leniency, citing the emotional distress she was under. Despite this, the court ruled against her, stating that her actions and the circumstances surrounding the incident indicated she was fully aware of what she was doing. The judge pointed out that the defendant’s conduct, combined with the available evidence, demonstrated clear intent to steal.
This case follows a series of recent legal actions in Dubai related to theft and shoplifting. In another notable case, a European woman was also fined for stealing a gold necklace earlier this year, which added to the growing concerns about theft in retail settings in the city. Read more on a similar case.
Legal Implications
This ruling highlights the seriousness with which the UAE courts address theft, even in cases involving emotional distress. While the defendant’s personal situation may have been taken into account, the evidence led the court to conclude that the intent to steal was clear. Such cases serve as a reminder of the legal consequences of theft, regardless of the circumstances.
For more on other legal matters in Dubai, such as drug-related convictions, see our coverage on a case where two men were jailed after being caught digging for drugs at night. Learn more here.
