My dad was connecting in IST (EZE-IST-AMM) and he was called for a second security check, some two weeks ago. While doing so, removing his shoes and so on, someone (in the crazy transit lounge at midnight), took his handback with documents, his phone, and few more things, nothing really valuable, no money or passports, and those things, but things like a driver's license which are a nightmare to get back. He filled a complain but no answers were given. He went back to IST Airport to check it (he flew back also TK, route TLV-IST), no answer.... What do you do? The bag he picked had some clothes, which were not his, and he gave it to those from security, but his bag was taken by someone else, someone who, so far, hasn't had the will to return it back to IST airport... Who to blame?

Isn't the security point of an airport the most secure place, maybe, in the whole country? And a theft was there, with billions of cams of surveillance, and they couldn't nor wouldn't catch the person who stole it. We thought it might have been a confusion, but not returning property which is not yours, after two weeks, means its a theft. There should be something learned from this experience: security controls should be done in some other way, never allowing a passenger to leave his bags in the bell, while he is on security controls.

In my experience, as I only travel with hand luggage, I've learned how never to be stopped, which shoes, which belt and so on. All my belongings (phone, coins, passport, boarding pass) are in my jacket pocket, which goes in a bin with my approved hand bag, while my laptop goes in a different one. In 3 seconds i'm done with it. But for most of the people, specially those who don't often fly, or who are not used to be in transit, or who have too much luggage (i'd say 70% of the people transiting IST), it can turn out as a nightmare as in this case.

So, take more time for security controls, and add more personnel and more scanners or whatsoever so it goes smooth, but it is secure, not only for the airport and the passengers, but for the person who is being checked.

I've contacted Turkish Airlines, TAV (Airport Operator) and Istanbul Airport Police Department. The first two don't assume any responsibility. The last one, hasn't yet answered.