Thieves ‘book cheap airline seats so they can target security trays filled with valuables at chaotic UK airports’
Brazen career criminals reportedly prey on passengers caught in a backlog while waiting to be screened
THIEVES are reportedly booking cheap seats on flights so they can deliberately target trays filled with valuables at "chaotic" UK airport security areas.
Brazen career criminals apparently prey on stressed out or tired passengers caught in a backlog at peak times while waiting to be screened.
A security guard, who has worked for one of London's major airports for more than a decade, told the items are stolen from security trays on a daily basis.
He said thieves take anything from laptops to wallets and even once managed to make off with a widow's holdall containing her husband's ashes.
The security officer, who did not want to be named, revealed in most cases, the culprits have bought a seat on a cheap flight with the sole intention of getting into the security areas.
The guard said: "They tend to be middle-aged men who work in groups. They prey on passengers in the early morning, when people are half-asleep, or at peak times when they're stressed, and target families who are likely to be distracted by children."
"They have behaved as though this is a minor irritation, as though it is no big deal.”
London City Airport says it has reimbursed her for the shortfall to buy a new laptop.
A spokesperson added: "In 2017, just 3 incidents of theft at London City Airport’s security screening were reported, with 4.5 million passengers travelling over the course of the year on 80,000 flights.
“As a result of Miss Ardiles’ experience we have reviewed our procedures, and going forward, we will always contact the Metropolitan Police regardless of whether a passenger declines to report a theft.”
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