Sisters Laura and Georgina Epitropou have been convicted of raiding an airport duty-free shop in Gatwick Airport, stealing approximately £80,000 worth of perfume and makeup. According to reports from Lewes Crown Court, the sisters devised a sophisticated plan where one sister would distract staff while the other filled up an empty suitcase with stolen goods.
The court heard how the sisters booked 22 internal flights over a period of 10 months to gain access to duty-free stores. Although the scheme initially involved one sister, both Laura and Georgina soon participated in the thefts. The Epitropou sisters were eventually apprehended by Gatwick CID after buying multiple flights for their criminal activities.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the sisters were financing a lavish lifestyle, including cosmetic surgery, by selling the stolen products online at reduced prices. Daniel Cummins from the Crown Prosecution Service stated that the sisters had meticulously planned their thefts, even adjusting the quantity of items stolen after Laura was caught by Police Scotland.
Laura, aged 45, was additionally charged with acquiring criminal property. Both sisters pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy to steal items and were each sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Lewes Crown Court.
The case highlights the lengths to which the sisters went to carry out their elaborate theft operation, targeting duty-free shops at the airport over several months. The stolen goods were sold at discounted prices, allowing the sisters to profit significantly from their criminal activities.
Despite claiming financial difficulties, the sisters were found to be living beyond their means and using theft as a means to fund their extravagant lifestyle. The Epitropou sisters’ organised scheme to steal high-value items from the duty-free shop has ultimately led to their incarceration.
The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in criminal activities for personal gain. The Epitropou sisters’ case demonstrates the importance of upholding the law and deterring individuals from committing theft offences.