PARIS,  (Reuters) – French police have arrested an  Air France stewardess on suspicion of stealing thousands of  euros in cash, cards and jewellery as passengers slept on long  haul flights, a newspaper reported yesterday.

Police investigating thefts over several months on flights  between France and the Far East picked up the 47-year old  attendant identified as Lucie R. after she landed from Tokyo on  Friday, Le Figaro said.

“Her bank accounts showed an absurd gap between her  lifestyle and her declared income,” the newspaper quoted a  police investigator as saying.

Police launched an investigation in January after about  4,000 euros’ ($5,170) was stolen from five passengers. The  robber took advantage of sleeping passengers, taking euros, yen,  and Swiss francs as well as watches, jewels, credit cards and  even cheque books.