Airline Baggage Theft

Airline Baggage Theft<br /><br />ABC News has obtained exclusive footage of airline baggage handlers stealing from passengers bags in the belly of the plane.<br /><br />In one clip you see a baggage handler find a wallet with cash, then take the time to count the money before stashing it in their coat.<br /><br />The sting was set up this summer after Israels El Al airlines started getting complaints from passengers about items missing from their baggage jewelry, cash, watches, laptops, iPads and iPhones.<br /><br />Seven workers were charged with stealing thousands of dollars in valuables.<br /><br />At New Yorks three airports there were nearly 600 reports of luggage theft in the last two years.<br /><br />Some airports, including New York, have added additional surveillance cameras, stepped up patrols and are encouraging employees to report theft.<br /><br />What can do to protect yourself? Experts say never pack valuables in your checked luggage, use well worn luggage that wont be a beacon for thieves, and if your carry on is going to be checked at the last minute, Dunne says, the time to open that bag and to remove your valuables and take them to the seat with you.