Sneaky way thieves targeting Aussie travellers
Thieves could be targeting the baggage carousel at a major city airport, police have warned.
South Australian Police have launched investigations into luggage theft at Adelaide Airport after receiving two reports of theft from the reclaim area on Friday.
“Police are investigating the incidents and no charges have been laid at this time,” a police spokeswoman told NewsWire on Tuesday.
One woman, speaking with The Adelaide Advertiser, said her family’s bags had been hit by thieves after they arrived in Adelaide for a wedding.
“When we got to the baggage carousel, my husband’s bag was not there,” she said.
She reported the potential theft to Virgin staff, she said, and later received notification her credit card had been used at a tobacco shop in Glenelg, a beachside party strip near the airport in the city’s east.
“Because we wanted to get through security quickly, my husband put his wallet, keys and devices in his luggage and checked it in,” she said.
A spokesman for Adelaide Airport said they were co-operating with the police in the theft investigations and had provided CCTV footage.
“Adelaide Airport is supporting SA Police with their investigations into the alleged theft of luggage from baggage reclaim, which includes assisting with the review of CCTV footage,” the spokesman told NewsWire.
The spokesman added there were “simple steps” travellers could take to avoid becoming victim to sneaky thefts.
“We recommend the use of luggage tags with your name and contact details,” the spokesman said.
“Also consider the use of a good quality travel lock on your bags and install a luggage tracking device such as an AirTag or SmartTag.”