Cops Bust Huge Theft Ring At Airport

But according to authorities, they’ve been checking into your baggage, instead.

Peel Regional Police have arrested seven employees at Pearson International Airport – including a supervisor – after uncovering what they allege to be a theft ring that stole items out of passenger luggage.

Cops seized $12,000 worth of goods, including digital cameras, camcorders, jewellery, cell phones and even clothing – anything that travellers passing through the portals at Pearson may have thought was safely tucked out of sight in their checked luggage.

The thieves would allegedly spirit the items out of the huge complex and sell it for a quick buck. Owners wouldn’t even be aware anything was gone until they reached their destinations hundreds or thousands of miles away – and by then, there wasn’t much they could do about it.

News of the arrest comes at a time when many families are returning from their Christmas vacations, and it’s leaving some of them feeling very uncertain.

At least one woman admits someone rifled through her possessions when she went away last year.

“I was robbed,” Jolene Papich states flatly. “I did have money hidden in my suitcase, which I know was wrong, but I didn’t want to carry a lot of money around with me because we were in Toronto for quite awhile, and when we got to our destination, the money was gone.”

Aside from the breach of trust and the violation, this victim took things personally.

“[I felt] disappointed because we did leave from Toronto, being Canadian, I was robbed by my fellow Canadians. I was not robbed in the Dominican. I was robbed by a Canadian.”

Philo Almeida went through it, too. “It happened to me before in Frankfurt,” she recalls. “They stole all the valuables.”

Now she locks her bag down using some simple straps (top left). “It’s a great deterrent because it makes it very difficult for someone to cut and pull away at it,” praises Jonathan Carroll of itravel2000.com.

And some aren’t worried so much by what they’ll lose as what they may inadvertently gain, fearing terrorists could put something dangerous in their baggage.

“You never know these days,” agrees Dale Dixon.

“Leave your luggage, you think you’re secure. You’re not,” warns Papich.

It’s not the first time cops have investigated this kind of caper. In 2004, police busted another theft ring at the airport, which involved 20  staffers.

So how can you safeguard yourself from similar crooks? A lot depends on how well prepared you are. You may not like going to the airport, but for some thieves, it’s their office – and you’re the best customer. Here’s a review of some ways you can look after yourself when you and your bags are flying in different compartments.

Don’t rely on a simple lock

There are only so many types of baggage out there. Crooks know them all and in some cases even have duplicate keys to make them easy to open. It may add to the weight slightly, but it’s a good idea to place a separate and solid padlock on all your checked baggage. It may not completely stop a determined thief, but it could slow them down and even convince them to look elsewhere. Make sure you use a T.S.A.-approved lock (That’s short for the Transportation Security Administration in the U.S.)

And find out how much you’re covered for if the airlines lose your baggage. In most cases, it’s only about $500.

Also be aware some areas of the world won’t let you lock your luggage at all. So check the regulations before you fly.  

Use a strap

Strapping down your luggage using multiple straps makes it hard for the thieves to get in. Most don’t want to waste the time and will move on. And the solution is cheap. You can buy the restraints for about $5.

Beware of soft-sided luggage

It’s easier to carry and it weighs less. But it’s also a lot easier to get into. And that makes it a tempting target for crooks looking to get a peek at what’s inside.

Put it in your carry-on

If it’s not on the restricted list, consider taking anything truly valuable in your carry-on bag. That includes items like jewellery, cameras, cell phones, electronics and your laptop. Also consider taking vital possessions like glasses and prescription drugs with you so that if something disappears, you’ll be able to get by.

It may be awkward, but you’ll have access to it all on the flight – and you’ll be sure of where it is when you get where you’re going.

And as the woman in our story learned, never put cash in your luggage.

Spread it around

If you’re carrying more than one bag, consider putting some clothing in one of them and the rest in the other. That way if one disappears, you’ll still be able to manage until you can find replacements.

Make sure your bag is easy to I.D.

With so many of the same kinds of luggage around, it’s easy for someone to mistake yours for theirs and walk off with it. And in some cases, it’s not an error at all. Make your case distinctive enough so that when it comes off the carousel, it’s easily identifiable right away.

Check your tags

In all the confusion that most airports specialize in, it’s easy for an honest baggage handler to make a mistake. Check to see that the tag put on your luggage is destined for the same airport you are.

Keep an eye on everyone

It’s easy to get distracted at the airport, especially if you’ve got a long flight ahead of you. Your bag could disappear while you’re tipping a skycap, getting off a bus or taking a second out to get a cup of coffee.

Also beware of the distraction theft, which involves someone bumping into you, spilling the contents of some coffee or a file or making another big mess. There are dozens of variations, but in the end, an accomplice makes off with your baggage and it’s gone before you even know it.

Make sure you’re aware at all times where your luggage is and don’t leave it alone for even a moment – even when you’re in the bathroom. Thieves have been known to sneak a hand under a stall, grab your gear while you’re otherwise occupied and run out in the terminal, getting lost in the crowd before you can zip up.

Check it out

Once you arrive at your destination, try and take a quick check through your stuff to make sure nothing’s missing. The sooner you report it lost, the more chance you have of getting it back.

Know what you were carrying

Make a list of what you’ve brought with you. That way, it will be easier to itemize what you’ve lost.

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