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(Ireland): Theft from passenger's bags 'going on for years'

Saturday, 15 Aug 2009

  • Source: Irish Examiner

  • Date: 15/8/2009

  • Description:  Theft from passenger's bags 'going on for years'

  • Link: [Click here]





    • Theft from passengers’ bags ‘going on for years’

    By Juno McEnroe

    Saturday, August 15, 2009


    AN investigation is under way at Dublin Airport following claims that baggage items have been stolen from passengers over a number of years.


    Gardaí have confirmed they arrested a baggage handler, in his 20s, on July 24 following complaints by angry travellers that cigarettes and perfume had gone missing from their suitcases.

    This followed an anonymous tip from a Dublin Airport worker that the luggage of passengers from some high-profile airlines had been targeted over several years.

    Jewellery, cigarettes, expensive alcohol, cameras and iPods were some of the belongings targeted, a source said.

    There were also reports yesterday that baggage handlers are scanned while entering work but can leave the airport without being checked.

    The 20-year-old baggage handler who was arrested and released now faces possible disciplinary and criminal action.

    It is understood he was quizzed regarding the theft of cigarettes from passengers’ luggage valued at under €1,000. A Garda investigation is ongoing.

    Senior airport sources say the pilfering of passengers’ bags has been ongoing for years.

    "This has been endemic and has grown in recent years. It’s not one or two people, it’s a whole pool of them.

    "You can always tell where the dodgy one [worker] is when they bring in a huge bag with only a small lunch inside. They go back to their lockers after, load up, say goodbye after a shift and walk out the gate without being checked," added the source.

    The source said those involved in the theft would go in groups to unload bags at conveyor belts. Some of those involved would then go into the hold and open bags, placing stolen items in sacks before closing bags again.

    The Dublin Airport Authority said it was aware of the Garda investigation.

    The screening of staff when leaving work was the responsibility of individual companies, it said.


    This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, August 15, 2009