Theft accounts for the majority of crimes reported at airports worldwide. In the book Be Alert Be Aware Have A Plan: The Complete Guide To Protecting Yourself, Your Home, Your Family, author Neal Rawls states that theft accounts for more than 90 percent of crimes reported at airports worldwide. Therefore, the prudent and safe traveler takes the necessary steps to keep his or her luggage and bags safe and secure.
Watch this video clip from a Staying Safe presentation regarding an incident at an airport:
Ten Tips For Safeguarding Your Luggage
- The number one rule for safeguarding your luggage is to never let your bags out of your sight, especially if you have a laptop computer, tablet, or other valuable gear with you. And don’t rely on strangers to watch them for you.
- Don’t pack your checked baggage too full. Overpacked bags may come open if dropped. Zippers on overpacked bags may come undone. Dishonest baggage handlers may rifle through your stuff, or things may just fall out and become “lost.”
- Pack valuables in your carry on. These include computers, cameras, tablets, cash, jewelry, prescription medicines, and other expensive items.
- Avoid using expensive luggage and travel bags that might attract attention. Expensive bags look as if they must have expensive items inside, and therefore may be targeted before less expensive looking luggage.
- Label your bags with your name, address and phone number. However, instead of using your home address, use a work address or the place you will be staying so thieves won’t learn the location of your empty home. Use a cell-phone number of a phone that is with you for the same reason.
- Do something to your luggage to make it distinctive so you don’t get it mixed up with another traveler’s.
- Keep your carry-on bags with you at all times, even when using the restroom. Don’t leave your bag where someone can easily run off with it while you are doing your business. Thieves have been knows to reach under a stall’s door to grab a bag, as well as reach over a door to snatch a purse hanging on the hook on the back of the door. If you are traveling with someone, it can be easier to go to the restroom in shifts, with the trusted companion watching the bags while the other uses the facilities.
- When you get off the plane, go to the baggage claim before your luggage. With some airports, you will have to hurry. It is safer to be there as your bags come out. It is too easy for someone to walk off with your bags, especially if they circle around the baggage conveyor belt a couple of times appearing unguarded. Remember, anyone can go into the airport where the baggage claim is without going through security. If you don’t see them walking off with your bag, who else would stop them?
- Be wary of “helpful strangers.” One popular scam is to help you put your luggage in a locker. The scam artist already has a key in his hand, similar to the one for the locker you’re using. He palms your key and gives you either a fake one or a key to an empty locker.
- Another common rip off to be on the lookout for is when one person distracts you and his accomplice steals your luggage. (or picks your pocket) The person distracting you can use a variety of tactics. He or she may spill something on you, does something mean to you, starts a commotion, or so on. Anything that distracts you and allows their partner to make off with your valuables is in their playbook. Don’t fall for it.