Recent trends or notable incidents of passenger theft
The aviation industry is notorious for it’s heightened, post-9/11 security procedures designed to prevent similar attacks. It might come as some surprise that despite the ‘security theatre’ of x-rays, metal detectors, security cameras and armed police, airlines are still plagued by incidents of petty crime.
In May of this year, Delhi police arrested a man suspected to be a prolific airline thief; allegedly taking at least 200 flights to purloin jewellery and other valuables from passenger’s carry-on luggage. In 2023, a passenger was arrested on suspicion that they had stolen over AU$34,000 on a single, short flight from Vietnam to Singapore. Commercial flights have even been the target of digital thieves; setting up spoof in-flight Wi-Fi networks to harvest credentials.
There is little data available about the prevalence of passenger theft – understandably, most airlines maintain silence about rates of in-flight theft. Research by PolicyExpert has revealed that 11% of Brits have had their belongings stolen at the airport, before even making it onto a flight.
The impact of these thefts on passengers and airline operations
Despite the risks involved, there is a clear incentive in targeting passengers: out of necessity, many will carry valuables such as foreign cash, travel documents and electronic devices in hand luggage. Such thefts can be particularly problematic, leaving passengers stranded in foreign destinations without money and unable to enter the country at all.
In response to perceived shortcomings, some have advised avoiding certain airlines and airports to avoid theft; thus potentially impacting customer numbers and revenue. In extreme cases, airlines might be blacklisted altogether; amidst accusations that Ethiopian Airlines allowed ‘organised theft and ‘pilferage’ from passenger’s luggage’, the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority has recently banned the airline from operating flights between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Measures to prevent theft and ensure passenger security
Many passengers have taken matters into their own hands, using electronic tags to track baggage and detect theft. To prevent theft in the first place, various travel blogs have provided guidance to passengers as to how to safeguard their belongings:
- Opt for a sturdy backpack, preferably one that can be securely locked.
- Store large bags in overhead lockers to keep them safe – If the space is available, it can be useful to place them across the aisle so you can easily see if anyone is foraging through them who shouldn’t be.
- Keep high-value items such as passports, cash and phones on your person.
- Mealtimes, sleeping or trips to the toilet offer thieves the perfect time to strike.
Little is known about how airlines are responding to the issue. Whilst this might be concerning, it should be some relief that many prolific thieves in this area have been caught and brought to justice. In many cases, this has been thanks to the vigilance of individual passengers and aircrews.
What should I do if I am the victim of passenger theft?
It is crucial to notify the airline as soon as possible. Likewise, reporting the theft to Airport staff, local police and maintaining all necessary documentation are vital steps in filing an insurance claim, let alone catching the perpetrator.
©Whitestone Chambers 2024