Travel News - 200 thefts per day from flights at JFK

200 thefts per day of passengers' belongings happening at JFK.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/exclusive-the-stunning-jfk-airport-baggage-scandal-200-thefts-per-day/

I know the real problem is the thieves, but why would anybody put " $160,000worth of watches, rings and necklaces that were stolen" in her baggage? Seems to me if I was traveling with my life's savings in the form of jewelry, I wouldn't let it out of my sight.

And let's not pretend that JFK is the only airport with theft problem.

I know the real problem is the thieves, but why would anybody put " $160,000worth of watches, rings and necklaces that were stolen" in her baggage? Seems to me if I was traveling with my life's savings in the form of jewelry, I wouldn't let it out of my sight.

And let's not pretend that JFK is the only airport with theft problem.

No, it's just the airport with the most efficiently run theft ring ;)

It's stupid to check 160,000 worth of goods. Airlines liability is limited unless you declare and pay for extra coverage. If the value is sentimental in addition to financial, don't check in.

Bloody hell - scary statistics

A colleague had his iPad and iPhone stolen from his luggage at DEN (he was asked to gate check at the last minute on the bridge and forgot to take them out). In the short distance between the door and the hold his bag was raided. He told the airline at the airport and they told him to fill in a form!

I find this staggering. Over $1k worth of stuff stolen and the response is not "Oh my! Let's call the police and catch these guys!" it is, "Here's a form." This can't be a hard crime to investigate as a very small number of people could have had access to that bag.

Now, the airlines and airports have created a disturbing culture where thievery is tolerated and never investigated or punished. It's like a passive approval of lawbreaking in my mind. The job of baggage handler is therefore actively ATTRACTING criminals to apply.

Not only are the passengers being robbed wantonly but they are also being made to pay for it.

"Jewellery including a ladies' diamond-encrusted Rolex watch worth $40,000 (£25,000), a 6-carat diamond ring set in white gold worth $60,000 (£38,000), and a $25,000 (£16,000) diamond ring with blue sapphires, were all missing."

this is not even a handful of jewlery. i would really seriously examine the claimants and their receipts

200 thefts per day of passengers' belongings happening at JFK.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/exclusive-the-stunning-jfk-airport-baggage-scandal-200-thefts-per-day/

Perhaps this story deserves dual headlines the other headline might read.Almost 200 phony insurance claims daily at JFK

A colleague had his iPad and iPhone stolen from his luggage at DEN (he was asked to gate check at the last minute on the bridge and forgot to take them out). In the short distance between the door and the hold his bag was raided. He told the airline at the airport and they told him to fill in a form!

I find this staggering. Over $1k worth of stuff stolen and the response is not "Oh my! Let's call the police and catch these guys!" it is, "Here's a form." This can't be a hard crime to investigate as a very small number of people could have had access to that bag.

Now, the airlines and airports have created a disturbing culture where thievery is tolerated and never investigated or punished. It's like a passive approval of lawbreaking in my mind. The job of baggage handler is therefore actively ATTRACTING criminals to apply.

Not only are the passengers being robbed wantonly but they are also being made to pay for it.

+1

Also being discussed over here in Travel Safety & Security

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1329363-wcbs-tv-stunning-jfk-airport-baggage-scandal-200-thefts-per-day.html

Thanks, Goalie. Let's follow the discussion there.

cblaisd
Moderator, Travel News