Items Stolen From Checked Luggage?

Well, when and where can thieves get to your luggage? Most logically when it is unattended and out of sight. I suppose after check-in before ending up in the cargo hold and as they come off the plane before they arrive at the luggage carousel. Basically anywhere while in transit. Where you aren’t around and can’t see them.

Should luggage get ripped, broken open or damaged so the contents becomes exposed there’s always the chance someone will see what you have and may be tempted to appropriate your belongings. Obviously grabbing anything of value first. Of course this stuff shouldn’t be in checked-in lugagge in the first place.

Checked-in luggage

I always advise buying hard-shell framed luggage that have no zips. The ones made from polycarbonate or other composite material that can be bent back into shape if they receive a knock. They are also lightweight, not just strong and have combination locks or latches. A little trickier to get in as you would need to pick the locks. Sometimes a time consuming affair while anything with zips can be pry opened with a ballpoint pen and then re-zipped closed. So having a solid frame with locks can be a small deterrent.

Carry-on luggage

Remember and please take note, any valuables should always be taken with you as carry-on. Again, in a roller case that can be locked if you want the best security. Otherwise zipped cases or bags made of polyester or ballistic nylon are good if locked.

Also please never assume that someone won’t rummage through your stuff in the overheads. This happens too, and more frequently in the Far East. So the best is to always lock valuables away to deter any thievery.