TSA Theft Investigation: How to Protect Yourself

Sept. 29, 2012 — -- After an ABC News investigation found that hundreds of TSA employees have been fired for allegedly stealing from passengers' bags -- including one who apparently took an ABC News iPad home with him -- thousands of flyers reacted to the story, some of whom said they found items missing after traveling.

The TSA disputes that theft is a widespread problem, saying the number of officers fired "represents less than one-half of one percent of officers that have been employed" by TSA and the company has a "zero tolerance" policy towards theft.

But to help keep flyers protected, a former TSA officer who was convicted for theft told ABC News that there are always steps you can take to help make sure their belongings make it to their destination. Pythias Brown served three years in prison after he said he took as much as $800,000-worth of cash or merchandise from passengers' luggage or carry-on bags over four years.

RELATED: Convicted TSA Officer Reveals Secrets of Theft at Airports

Here are Brown's tips:

If You Think You've Been a Victim of Theft

On its website, the TSA asks that any passengers who believe they are missing items to first check with the airport's lost and found. Then travelers can file a claim with the TSA using a standard government form.

CLICK HERE for the form and TSA directions. [Editor's Note: Several pages on the TSA website appear to be malfunctioning as of this report. For a working cached version of the TSA Forms webpage provided by Google, click here.]

If an item isn't recovered, the Consumer Travel Alliance says there are also other alternatives.

"Homeowners insurance does cover you for theft," said Charlie Leocha, director of the group. "You're covered if something is missing and you claim it's lost."

ABC News Investigation: Missing iPad Tracked to TSA Officer's Florida Home