PHL Baggage Handlers Accused Of Theft

November 5, 2010 6:00 PM

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Four baggage handlers at Philadelphia International Airport have been accused of rummaging through passenger’s luggage and stealing their possessions.

According to sources, back in August, American Airlines officials received a spike in complaints about possessions being stolen from passenger’s luggage.

Police then set up secret surveillance cameras and allegedly witnessed four baggage handlers stealing items from suitcases and boxes.

The cameras were set up at the base of the conveyor belt that takes bags to the baggage claim carousels.

“With jobs as scarce as they are, why would you risk yours trying to steal other people’s valuables?” passenger Ralph Baker said.

Because the items stolen — like watches, jewelry, laptops and even prescription pills — had to be small enough to be hidden under clothing and because the baggage and boxes were resealed, police believe many passengers never realized that they were victimized.

Sources say the four suspects had a total of 30 years work experience among them and sources indicate police may never know just how far back the alleged scheme goes or how many victims there are.

The suspects remain behind bars.

American Airlines released the following statement regarding the incidents:

“We have more than 150 honest, hard-working employees in Philadelphia who do a great job serving our customers every day. We take these matters quite seriously, though, and have no patience for this type of behavior. We were actively involved in this investigation and worked closely with the Philadelphia Police, who did an excellent job. Any other information should come from them since this is now a police matter.”

If you are missing items after flying through Philadelphia on American Airlines, first file a claim with the airline by visiting www.aa.com and clicking on “contact us” and address your message to “Customer Relations”

Then, to file a police report in regards to this case in Philadelphia call 9-1-1, outside of Philadelphia call 215-686-1776.

Reported By: Walt Hunter, CBS 3; Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3

kerry

Another pitfall of the formerly Friendly Skies.Can one get insurance for baggage loss or pilferage?
Mike

Airlines commit fraud when they charge you 25 for a bag and then you get ripped off. They took responsibility when they started charging. The notionthat they are not responsibile is a throwback to the days fo free bags. Where is the consumer protection agency when we need them. Some lawyers need to take the airlines to court and bring pressuer on the airlines.
k ward

Phl is the worst, average time from landing to carousel is 30 min. Theft , I have been ripped off multiple times. It’s known in the industry, on one occasion I was told ” You flew from Philly!”.
Debi

Love seeing Rick and his band! That was THE BEST!!!
The Bobster

Why aren’t the perps named? Oh, yeah, I know why.
ron

I travel out of philly 2-3 times a month.
the baggage handlers here are the worst I’ve ever come across.
zero professionalism and now theft. great
ZZBAR

This has been going on at all three metro airports for some time (Philly) (Newark) (JFK). What are the names of the thieves at AA?
Kate

Maybe you guys need to go film the story WITHOUT Rick Springfield and his entire band trooping through, ha ha ha…Walt could have interviewed Rick about his NY Times bestselling autobiography!
Lisa

Wow! that WAS him…He was playing at the Borgata on 11/5!! Too funny!
Dennis

wow john … i’m the photographer who shot that story. i now recall the shot – had not a clue who that guy was. too funny – good catch!
John

Am I the only person that saw Rick Springfield leaving the airport during this story? He walked right in front of the camera. Funny how CBS 3 may have missed it.