Sting nabs sticky-fingered JFK airport workers

[bambbbam2]

Makes me wonder how much of this goes on ALL the time..

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_...fk_airport_workers_going_through_luggage.html

A sting captured by security cameras nabbed two sticky-fingered airport workers who swiped electronics planted by authorities, officials said.
Brian Burton, 27, and Antwon Simmons, 26, stole a laptop and cell phone from the decoy luggage as it moved through Kennedy Airport, Port Authority officials said.

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[munitalP]

I wouldn't expect the unions would allow their brothers to be filmed on any Australian airport, but gee it would be interesting to see the results if they got away with it - not so much stealing but how the handlers handle the luggage...

Mr!

:shock:

 

[Nigelinoz]

I have two questions.
1 Is anyone really surprised that this sort of thing goes on.
2 Why has it taken this long to think of this type of sting.

 

[samh004]

I have two questions.
1 Is anyone really surprised that this sort of thing goes on.
2 Why has it taken this long to think of this type of sting.

1 No.

2 Probably involves a lot of red tape and a lot of people that might leak the word that it was happening.

 

[MDC]

Not surprised about this at all. In fact, I've experienced it first hand. Back in 2000 I checked my luggage in at LAX only to find the zippers ripped open and finding things missing from my bag when I got back to BNE. Yes I was young and stupid... locked bag with valuables in it.

It wasn't much really, just a $300 watch and some aftershave. The damage to the bag is what could have cost me more*.


*Qantas replaced the bag and sent me a cheque for the missing items so there was no cost incurred.

 

[james4321]

Thats why I wrap my bags !!!! I figure that for $9 I know that no-one will get into it - $9 is peanuts in the context of the amount I am spending on my trip and the peace of mind is priceless

 

[munitalP]

Thats why I wrap my bags !!!! I figure that for $9 I know that no-one will get into it - $9 is peanuts in the context of the amount I am spending on my trip and the peace of mind is priceless

The only thing I ever wrap anr my golf clubs - peace of mind, my $3K worth of pings being "played with" by others would mentally scare me...:shock:

I usually use a samsonite hard case for overseas trips - no pockets and 3 locks - too hard a target for most would be thieves methinks

Mr!

 

[Nigelinoz]

Does anybody know what sort of checks are done on people applying for this type of job in the US?
I believe that in Australia baggage handlers etc need to have an aviation security identification card which I think requires a criminal records check?
Is it the same in the US? one would think that after 9/11 it would be almost impossible to get an airport job without rigorous checking?

 

[NM]

I usually use a samsonite hard case for overseas trips - no pockets and 3 locks - too hard a target for most would be thieves methinks.

But this happened in the LOTFAP where locked cases are not allowed. A Samsonite hard case is just as easy to open as any other case when they are not locked. Same with wrapping in the LOTFAP. Cases have to be able to be opened for inspection by the TSA. Any locks, wrapping etc must be removed (or TSA approved) or they will be removed for you.

So when its the TSA staff that are doing the stealing, there's not much a passenger can do to protect themselves or their belongings.

 

[harvyk]

There is, I don't think there are any laws against transporting rat traps in your checked bags as they pose no danger to the aircraft. Just attach a rat trap to everything of value in your bags and put a sign on the top warning "would be bag theives".

 

[straitman]

Does anybody know what sort of checks are done on people applying for this type of job in the US?
I believe that in Australia baggage handlers etc need to have an aviation security identification card which I think requires a criminal records check?
Is it the same in the US? one would think that after 9/11 it would be almost impossible to get an airport job without rigorous checking?

I would suspect that there is a US equivalent to the ASIC as there is now a (M)aratime SIC in Oz courtesy of the US Government.

 

[JohnK]

I don't understand why there isn't/couldn't be strict security checks when workers come and go from the airport. In my opinion airport staff who steal from other people's luggage are about as low as a human being can get....

 

[Commuter]

I don't understand why there isn't/couldn't be strict security checks when workers come and go from the airport. In my opinion airport staff who steal from other people's luggage are about as low as a human being can get....

Indeed, there should be a lot stricter checks on staff.

Some shops in the UK only allow their staff to carry their things in a clear plastic bag, presumably to prevent theft by staff.
I think it should apply to those who handle passenger properties at airports.

Sure, there may be workers' rights issues, but how about passengers' rights not to have things stolen out of their bags and not to have their baggage treated badly?

 

[obrienja]

I take a group of university students to Malta for a week of fieldwork every year and the Maltese ground staff have in the past broken locked flight cases open (and not for security checking) including smashing the locks off, stolen stuff from students bags and managed to damage all manner of luggage. We're blaming the Maltese as it's happened flying both Air Malta & BA from different London terminals.

I bet this sort of thing goes on at a lot of airports but it's difficult to prove who is responsible.