I think that there are dishonest people in every walk of life, every job position, not just minimum wage airport workers.

I believe that one difference is that people not in the middle of a public baggage checking area have much less opportunity to take something out of a suitcase and stash it to bring home then the workers under the airport do. Not saying it doesn't happen, but don't think one group is any less honest then the other group.

As to not having something to open the wire ties with, just stash a knife in the outter pocket of the bag, or if there aren't any, then attach a nail clipper to the wire ties and use that when you get to where you are going, or duct take it ot the bag or something.