‘Kleptomaniac’ couldn’t help thieving from Mall of the Emirates shop, Dubai court hears

Macedonian tourist who said she had money but just couldn't resist the urge to steal gets two months in jail.

DUBAI // A 29-year-old tourist who was caught stealing from a lingerie shop said she is a kleptomaniac who can’t help it, despite not needing the items she steals, Dubai Court of Misdemeanours heard on Sunday.

The Macedonian woman was arrested on the night of January 26 at Mall of the Emirates after the theft at Victoria’s Secret.

“We received a call from the shop at the mall reporting the woman for stealing perfume, lingerie and make-up,” said an officer from Al Barsha police station.

The shop’s manager told police that the woman stole two bottles of perfume, nine items of underwear, a bra and eight lipstick pens.

“As she was leaving the shop, the alarm went off. We checked her bags and found the items. She immediately offered to pay for them and asked us not to call police,” said the Egyptian manager, who said the value of the items totalled Dh800.

“I don’t know why I do it - I have money, but I steal,” she told prosecutors after admitting an attempted theft charge.

She was sentenced to two months in jail.

A kleptomaniac is someone who has the urge to steal, though not because they need to or want to profit.