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Australian tourist defends viral theft in Türkiye’s Alacati

Australian tourist defends viral theft in Türkiye's Alacati Australian woman stealing a dress in Alacati caught on camera, Izmir, Türkiye, July 21, 2024. (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Jul 21, 2024 12:56 PM

An Australian tourist was caught on security camera stealing a dress from a boutique in Alacati, a popular tourist destination in Izmir’s Cesme district.

The incident, which occurred recently, has garnered significant attention on social media.

The stealing incident, immediate aftermath

The woman, identified as an Australian national, entered the boutique, examined the clothes, and then discreetly placed a dress in her bag before leaving the store. The store’s security camera recorded the theft, and the footage quickly spread online.

Australian tourist defends viral theft in Türkiye's Alacati
The Australian woman’s email to the storeowner in Alacati, Izmir, Türkiye, July 21, 2024. (AA Photo)

After the video circulated widely, the tourist reached out to the store owner via email to express her remorse. In the email, she wrote, “I want to make things right if you will accept it. I am very embarrassed. Thank you.” She also transferred the money for the stolen dress to the boutique owner.

The tourist’s defense for stealing in Alacati

Currently vacationing in Santorini, Greece, the tourist explained in her email that she took the dress as an act of revenge against the universe for some bad experiences she had in Alacati. She reiterated her regret, stating, “I am very embarrassed.”

Australian tourist defends viral theft in Türkiye's Alacati
Texts by the storeowner detailing interaction with tourist: “Then she sent the money yesterday. / Our emails are very long. / She had a lot of problems in Alacati and wanted to take revenge on the universe. She wrote a lot of personal things in the emails,” July 21, 2024. (AA Photo)

The store owner received the payment and apology, bringing a surprising and somewhat unusual closure to the incident. This peculiar event highlights the unexpected actions some individuals might take and the power of social media in bringing such actions to light.

Last Updated:  Jul 21, 2024 12:56 PM
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