Airline pickpocket strikes as passengers sleep

[Timtammi]

A couple of years ago I was flying home to Melb from somewhere (not sure exactly where but I think it might have been Auckland) on QF and on arrival at Mel an announcement was made over the PA that someone had stolen all of the duty free money from the duty free cart and that noone was going to get off the plane till it was resolved. We were told that for 10 minutes cabin crew would make themselves scarce/look the other way to allow the guilty party to return the money and that if it was returned nothing further would happen and we would all be allowed to disembark. If the money was not returned by the end of the 10 mins we were told that the Federal Police would be boarding and everyone would be questioned and potentially searched and noone would be going anywhere for a very long time.

There was an eerie silence and I think everyone held their breath pretty much for the next 10 mins wondering what was going to happen.

At the end of the 10 mins an announcement was made that the money had been returned and we could all deplane.

I always wondered how the guilty party managed to return the dosh without it being really obvious what he was doing given that everyone as seated at the time. I certainly didnt see anyone get up but from memory was sitting fairly forward and the duty free trolley I assume was at the back.

We all breathed a big sigh of relief when that second announcement was made - believe me! In fact I think quite a few people clapped.

cheers

 

[spunkarooney]

We were told that for 10 minutes cabin crew would make themselves scarce/look the other way to allow the guilty party to return the money and that if it was returned nothing further would happen and we would all be allowed to disembark.

I interpret this as:

• Qantas treated everyone on the plane as a naughty school child and/or
• Qantas held all passengers hostage.

If allowed, I would have asked to be released and if denied, I would have called airport police and/or media.

 

[straitman]

I interpret this as:

• Qantas treated everyone on the plane as a naughty school child and/or
• Qantas held all passengers hostage.

If allowed, I would have asked to be released and if denied, I would have called airport police and/or media.

A truly aggressive stance if ever I have heard of one. There would have been more grief if QF had not done that and simply called the AFP themselves.

 

[spunkarooney]

A truly aggressive stance if ever I have heard of one.

Indeed.

I can't believe that Qantas held those innocent passengers to ransom — own up or we call the Feds.

 

[albatross710]

The paper said around 4,000 euros ($5,744) appeared to have been stolen from five business class passengers as they slept on the overnight flight.

So the thief didn't even given any value to the Yen.

 

[MissBurrill]

Curiously, what about ladies' handbags?

If I'm just travelling with a handbag it is usually at my feet, with a foot through a strap if I'm sleeping. Obviously exit row mean it's up top.

If I have my laptop I have a school bag with my handbag in it up top so yes there is a risk.

Karen

 

[JohnK]

Sad story and it really goes to show that you cannot trust anybody.

I guess it is not easy when you have to carry a handbag with you but for me it is quite simple. The camera is in the inside jacket pocket, the mobile phone is in my shirt pocket and my wallet (most times with AUD2000-3000 in cash) in my back pocket. No reason to give anyone an easy opportunity to try and take something valuable from me....

 

[BAM1748]

I like to put carryon in the bins across the aisle from where I sit, so I can see it if the bin is opened. Problem when sleeping though.

I also like the side bins on the upper decks of 380, 747. Feels more secure!

Likewise, and one bin or a bit forward of me.

 

[mannej]

Indeed.

I can't believe that Qantas held those innocent passengers to ransom — own up or we call the Feds.

Like a lot of things in society really. The actions of the minority few will lead to everyone being punished for those actions.

 

[Dave R32]

I must admit I am too trusting of my fellow passengers when I travel....I will take a lot more care from now.

Cheers
Dave.

 

[fiscal]

Nope, I'm always on the look out.

I've had to get up to ask people to stop interfering with my bag, notably when they push and shove my bag to squeeze their stuff in.

I'm happy for them to pick it up gently and move it, but pushing it to squash it down is unacceptable.

Interestingly, I had a run in with a QF FA about this (in reverse). Someone had used "my" space in the overhead locker, and to cut a long story short, part way thought the flight the FA insisted I place my bag under the seat in front of me (making be a near cripple by journey's end) or she would put it down at the back of the plane.

If I had opted for the latter and something was stolen, would QF have been liable?

 

[geoffl]

So the thief didn't even given any value to the Yen.

Sacre bleu...what is going on with zis french airline!!

 

[Dyslexic traveler]

well I hope that is a lesson for every on,e the morel to the story is fly in First Class and the magic curtain will protect you.

 

[Pvcmenace]

Sad story and it really goes to show that you cannot trust anybody.

I guess it is not easy when you have to carry a handbag with you but for me it is quite simple. The camera is in the inside jacket pocket, the mobile phone is in my shirt pocket and my wallet (most times with AUD2000-3000 in cash) in my back pocket. No reason to give anyone an easy opportunity to try and take something valuable from me....

Having been pick pocketed in Marseilles in broad daylight with very few people around, your wallet in your back pocket is no safety as there is usually a diversionary tactic that will allow your pocket to be picked while your attention is elswhere. Meaning potentially two or more people working together.

Just to make you feel more secure:shock:

 

[snufl]

I've got a soft material travel wallet thingy with a long cotton cord. Cash, credit cards & passport go in there, I hang it around my neck inside my top when I sleep.

 

[anat0l]

Having been pick pocketed in Marseilles in broad daylight with very few people around, your wallet in your back pocket is no safety as there is usually a diversionary tactic that will allow your pocket to be picked while your attention is elswhere. Meaning potentially two or more people working together.

Just to make you feel more secure:shock:

+1

Never got pickpocketed whilst recently in Europe, but nothing was in my back pockets (except for perhaps my gloves) whilst I was over there.

 

[auriga]

+1

Never got pickpocketed whilst recently in Europe, but nothing was in my back pockets (except for perhaps my gloves) whilst I was over there.

I would not put anything in my back pocket, ever since I lost my bus pass while I was still in high school.

 

[tuapekastar]

I read years ago that a wallet in the back pocket has the potential to do harm to your back, due to the uneven nature of the surface you're then sitting on, and the fact that you're sitting slightly 'crooked'. I don't know how credible that info is/was, but ever since, the wallet has gone in a front pocket (which I suspect is far better for security as well).

 

[anat0l]

I read years ago that a wallet in the back pocket has the potential to do harm to your back, due to the uneven nature of the surface you're then sitting on, and the fact that you're sitting slightly 'crooked'. I don't know how credible that info is/was, but ever since, the wallet has gone in a front pocket (which I suspect is far better for security as well).

With a sufficiently thick wallet, it mightn't do damage to your back, but at least one cheek of your buttocks will be quite sore. That may have some further implications.

 

[tuapekastar]

With a sufficiently thick wallet, it mightn't do damage to your back, but at least one cheek of your buttocks will be quite sore. That may have some further implications.

Out of curiosity I did a quick search, and found this article at the BBC

It is not exactly as I stated, but does indicate the possibility for ongoing problems.

I might add that whatever I read about it was many years before this article.