LAX Workers Busted For Stealing from Suitcases: How To Keep Your Luggage Safe

LAX workers were arrested this morning for alleged baggage thefts.

By
COLLEEN CURRY
March 27, 2014, 11:24 AM ET
2 min read

March 27, 2014— -- The FBI served 25 search warrants and made six arrests Wednesday night at Los Angeles International Airport, accusing workers there of stealing items from travelers' luggage.

Altogether, 14 people have been detained for questioning with officials saying it remains an ongoing investigation.

The bust comes after a months-long investigation into property stolen from passengers' luggage, the Los Angeles police department and Los Angeles Airport police said.

"This joint operation, resulting in these arrests, highlights the close cooperation and continuous teamwork of the LAX Crime Task Force and its relationship with other local municipal law-enforcement agencies," said Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick Gannon. "In conjunction with all of our law-enforcement partners here at LAX, we will continue to work tirelessly to keep our airports the safest airports in the United States."

LAX is known as having one of the worst records for keeping passengers' luggage secure in transit -- behind only Miami International Airport and JFK International Airport in New York.

According to 2012 data the TSA provided to ABC News, the worst airports for luggage thefts are:

1. Miami International Airport

2. JFK International Airport

3. Los Angeles International Airport

4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

5. Las Vegas-McCarren International Airport

6. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and New York-Laguardia Airport

8. Newark Liberty, Philadelphia International, and Seattle-Tacoma International airports

11. Orlando International Airport

12. Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport

14. Washington Dulles International Airport

15. Detroit Metro Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

17. Boston-Logan International, Denver International and San Diego International airports

20. Chicago O'Hare International Airport

If you're traveling through one of these sticky-fingered airports, be sure to follow these tips to lessen the risk of theft to your luggage:

  • Take valuables with you on the plane in your carry-on bag; don't store electronics, jewelery or large amounts of cash in your checked luggage.
  • TSA-approved locks don't do much, according to a former TSA employee who told ABC News that many employees know how to pick the locks to gain access to the bags.
  • Buy traveler's insurance. Airlines will cover up to $3,400 worth of lost, delayed, or damaged luggage, but traveler's insurance can help add extra coverage in case your items are stolen.
  • Take a photo of your bag after it's packed and before it's zipped to prove what was there.