When a Shopping Spree Turns Into a Bus Heist
On a sunny Italian night in December, a mother and daughter—both travelers from Singapore—found their dream wardrobe turned into a crime scene. Thirty pieces of brand‑new designer gear, worth a whopping $15,000, vanished right from the back of a tour bus heading into Naples.
How the Thief Made His Move
It was the 50‑year‑old Yeo and her 19‑year‑old daughter who first noticed the missing bags. They had just finished dinner and were about to check into their hotel when the transport driver unloaded the cargo hold.
They realised with a hush that the bags were gone.
According to Yeo, the last time they saw the luggage was early that morning, when the bus left Assisi and made a quick stop at a petrol station for fuel and a restroom break. The theft allegedly happened during the dinner that followed, right before they arrived at their hotel.
Victims of the Bus Heist
- Yeo, 50 – 12 bags gone
- 19‑year‑old daughter – lost her suitcase
- Irene Chye, 57 – clothes, meds and more drenched in loss
- IT professional “Mr Chen” – one piece of luggage stolen while traveling with a five‑member family
One of the other victims, Ms Chye, complained about the extra hassle, especially because the cold weather turned missing medication into a health nightmare. “The bus driver should have watched the cargo closer,” she said, adding that the responsibility fell squarely on the driver’s shoulders.
What the Tourism Agency Has Done
Wong Yew Hoong, director of Singapore‑based EU Holidays, told the press that the company is ready to help travelers file claims under their travel insurance. He also mentioned that the bus operator has agreed to cover a portion of the loss.
Yeo, although she purchased a travel insurance policy, states that she will still suffer a dent in her wallet. “I can claim up to $500 per item, but many pieces cost a few thousand dollars each,” she laments.
Staying Calm Amid Chaos
Despite the shock, Yeo decided to keep the rest of her trip as lively as possible. “Even though I’m still in a state of shock, I followed the rest of the group the next day to visit Capri,” she said. “There’s no point in hunkering down in my hotel room, so I’m going to make the most of the time I have left in Italy.”
Where Is The Group Now?
After the Naples incident, the travellers made their way to Rome. As a group, they are expected to return to Singapore on Thursday, December 23, heading off with fewer shoes and bags but many stories to share.
