F1 security 'uncle' confiscates woman's compacts, claims mirror can be used to reflect light into drivers' eyes
A woman had her make-up compacts confiscated at the Singapore Grand Prix even though they were not prohibited items.
The security officer who confiscated them told her that the mirror in them could be used to reflect light into the drivers' eyes, recounted Stomper Denis, who is the woman's father.
He said: "Nowhere was it stated that people are prohibited from bringing in a mirror."
His daughter Chloe told Stomp that her family had entered the F1 grounds via Gate 3B on Oct 4 at around 5.15pm.
"While I was going through the security bag check, the security uncle asked to check my make-up pouch," recounted Chloe.
"He pointed to my two compact powders and asked if they have mirrors on them. After I said yes, he told me that mirrors are prohibited and that I would have to dispose of my two compact powders before I'm allowed to enter the venue.
"I replied that mirrors are not on the prohibited list of items as I had thoroughly checked the list the night before and would not have brought them if I was aware that they were prohibited items.
"He then said that mirrors can be used as a weapon, as people can use them to reflect light into the F1 drivers' eyes and therefore, I would not be allowed to bring them in.
"I assured him that I would not even open the compacts, but he insisted that I either dispose of them or exit the venue.
"At this point, my entire family had already passed the security check and were waiting for me inside."
Chloe was left with little choice.
"I had to dispose of my two compact powders into the rubbish bin beside the security check table," she said.
"After I entered the venue, I checked the prohibited list of items for F1 once again, but I did not find mirrors on the list.
"I went back to the security bag check area at Gate 3B to try to get my compact powders back. However, when I reached the area, I looked into the rubbish bin where I previously threw my compact powders in and discovered that they were no longer there.
"It is evident that the security and staff were not knowledgeable enough as to what items could or could not be brought in."
The compacts cost $82 each.
"They were practically new and I had barely even used them," added Chloe.
"I am deeply saddened as not only was the total cost of my two compact powders $164, but they were also a gift from my boyfriend for my birthday and they held significant sentimental value to me."
In response to a Stomp query, a spokesperson for Singapore Grand Prix confirmed that mirrors are not classified as prohibited items.
"The removal of the makeup compacts with mirror was an error and does not reflect our standard procedures," said the spokesperson.
"We have initiated an investigation with the appointed security agency to understand how this oversight occurred."
