‘Done nothing wrong’: Airport worker busted after allegedly stealing luxury items

A worker at a luxury jewellery store in Sydney’s International Airport has been charged after allegedly stealing more than $50,000 worth of designer goods.

A woman who worked for a designer jewellery shop at Sydney Airport has been busted by police after she allegedly used her position to steal $50,000 worth of luxury items.

Chantelle Elizabeth Carrington, 39, was working for Cartier at Sydney’s International Airport where she allegedly swiped four bracelets, three pens, two lighters, two bracelet keys, a pair of earrings, a wallet, a candle, a lighter and a men’s pendant.

The haul was found during a dramatic police search at her home in Sydney’s southwest on January 11, where Ms Carrington was arrested after coming out with her hands up in pyjamas.

The search came following a complaint from the store involving the alleged theft of items costing a total $50,225 by an employee.

Chantelle Elizabeth Carrington faced Sydney Downing Centre on Thursday morning over the charges. Picture: TikTok

According to her social media, Ms Carrington has also previously worked at Ascot Jewellery as a client adviser. Picture: TikTok

Ms Carrington faced Sydney Downing Centre court on Thursday morning over the charges, donning a $750 Zimmerman dress to her first appearance.

Questioned outside of court, Ms Carrington told reporters she had done “nothing wrong” and denied that luxury items had been found in her home by police.

“Leave me alone,” she told reporters, as she shielded her face with a Chemist Warehouse bag.

“There was no Cartier jewellery.”

The items allegedly found in Ms Carrington’s home. Picture: Australian Federal Police

Inside the courtroom, Ms Carrington asked for her bail conditions – which require her to report to her local police station seven days a week – to be changed due to her commitments as a full-time student and carer.

With her mum also in the courtroom for support, Ms Carrington represented herself and told the registrar she was in the process of “raising funds” for a personal lawyer.

The registrar told her to formally submit her bail variation request, with her matter to return to court on February 26.

The cost of a Cartier bracelet ranges from $2000 to $50,000. Picture: Australian Federal Police

The offences carry a maximum 10 years imprisonment.

Ms Carrington fled from reporters outside the court on Thursday morning. Picture: News.com.au

Ms Carrington used a Chemist Warehouse bag to shield her face from cameras. Picture: News.com.au

In a statement, AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden accused Ms Carrington of “abusing” her position for personal gain.

“The AFP has a positive working relationship with airport businesses to prevent, detect and respond to this type of activity,” Blunden said.

“Due to the co-operation of the store, as well as our longstanding partnership with Sydney Airport Corporation, we were able to resolve this matter swiftly which is a testament to our working relationships.”

Head of Security at Sydney Airport Graham White said the airport had zero-tolerance for criminal acts committed within the terminals.

“We’d like to thank the AFP for their commitment to resolving this matter swiftly, and our airport operations team and retail tenant for their collaborative efforts which contributed to the positive outcome.”