exerda

Although it's most likely the person who mistakenly took the bag is the one who damaged the locks (probably saying to himself, "Why isn't my key or combo working?!?!"), how is the OP supposed to know it wasn't UA or the TSA who damaged it?

I am surprised that airport authorities haven't been hit with legal action over the years for basically allowing anyone off the street to waltz in and steal bags off the belts. Even putting baggage claim behind some kind of security (e.g. exit the secure area to baggage claim, but to get into baggage claim from the street, you have to show ID & a recent BP) wouldn't solve the problem entirely; I don't know what the solution is. But it does seem like airport authorities are just putting a big "steal me!" sign on bags.