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  The Society for Consumer Advocates and Mavens

News You Can Use!

AIRPORT BAGGAGE THEFT

Always keep an eye on your luggage no matter where you are in or around an airport and no matter what type of distractions may be going on. When arriving at your destination get to the baggage area quickly to retrieve your luggage because thieves will watch for bags that keep circling and circling on the conveyor belt then grab them and calmly walk away.

Many airports may still not have luggage security checks in place for economical reasons. It may be cheaper to replace a traveler's luggage and any of their stolen possessions compared to hiring extra security and incorporating a baggage security checking system in the baggage retrieval area!

Beware of using "designer label" luggage because even if it contains hardly anything of value it may be targeted by thieves. However, "designer label" luggage alone can be sold on the black market for $50 per piece.

Keep an eye on your luggage even when in the airport bathroom. Thieves have been known to grab luggage even in airport bathrooms while you have your pants down! Keep your luggage at your feet in front of you at all times.

Bands of baggage thieves are known to travel from airport to airport looking for easy targets. Even baggage handlers have been caught on camera stealing from luggage. However, because the airport employees' union is so strong and the court process is so costly and burdensome it may be hard to fire airport employees who actually get caught stealing from passenger baggage!

SUPPLEMENTAL SOURCE: ABC-TV 20/20 7/4/97

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