Woman steals gold necklace from Dubai store, ordered to pay Dhs15,000

A European woman has been fined Dhs5,000 by the Dubai Misdemeanour and Violations Court and ordered to pay Dhs10,000 in compensation for stealing a gold necklace from a retail store.

The case dates back to last March, when a vendor filed a report alleging that the accused had stolen a gold necklace while he was distracted.

He said that he realised it was missing after she had left, and that reviewing the store's surveillance cameras showed the woman placing the necklace in her bag and leaving.

He added that he had informed the store manager, who had reported the incident to the police.

A police officer stated that the team had gathered evidence and reviewed the store's surveillance cameras. They identified the accused by establishing which vehicle she was travelling in, and she was subsequently arrested.

During the investigation, the accused admitted to taking the necklace, claiming that she had not stolen it intentionally and had intended to buy it. However, she received news of her sister's death at that moment and left the store in a state of shock.

During the trial, the defence attorney requested his client's acquittal.

However, the court rejected the claim of lack of criminal intent, as the material evidence, including the CCTV footage, proved that she had intended to steal the necklace at the time of the crime.

The court ordered her to pay a fine of Dhs5,000 and to repay the value of the stolen necklace.