Six Australian schoolgirls arrested after allegedly shoplifting in Orchard Road

SINGAPORE: A group of Australian schoolgirls in Singapore for a regional netball competition was arrested on Sunday (Nov 13) after allegedly shoplifting from stores at the Mandarin Gallery in Orchard Road.

In response to queries by CNA, Singapore police said they were alerted to a case of theft at 333A Orchard Road at 4.04pm on Nov 13, with six teenagers, aged 14 to 16, arrested in relation to the case.

Investigations are ongoing, police added.

The Year 10 students from Bacchus Marsh Grammar in Australia’s Victoria state allegedly stole lingerie from a Victoria’s Secret store along Orchard Road, in addition to footwear from a Crocs store, Australian media reported on Tuesday.

According to Daily Mail Australia, the girls were caught on CCTV camera stashing away expensive lingerie from Victoria’s Secret before leaving without paying.

A Herald Sun source said the girls spent more than "10 hours in cells" after they were arrested, returning to their hotel at around 3.30am.

School principal Andrew Neal confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that “a small group of students have found themselves involved in an incident in Orchard Road”, adding that they are part of a group of 18 students who are in Singapore for a regional netball competition.

“The police have been firm, fair and thorough and the school is appreciative of their professionalism,” the principal said, adding that he hopes police investigations will be finalised by later in the week.

He added that the students are currently under the direct care of school staff members and that he looks forward to them returning with the rest of the group.

Bacchus Marsh Grammar is located about 60km north of Melbourne. The private co-educational school has more than 3,000 students.