Flying to Toronto? Watch Your Checked Bags

[RedHot25]

I thought that I would put this up as we have a lot of people who fly on here...for business reasons, etc.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

police busted a theft ring at Pearson Airport in an undercover operation that resulted in the arrest of seven baggage handlers, including one supervisor. The police investigation at Terminal 3 recovered $12,000 in stolen goods, including electronics, jewelry and clothing. The probe was reportedly launched after airline passengers complained that items had gone missing from their bags.
Police allege that the group would find the goods and smuggle them out of the airport to be sold.
....

It is not the first time police officers have investigated thefts from luggage at the airport.
In October of 2006, police arrested a group of people for allegedly stealing from a cargo warehouse.
In 2004, a joint operation between officers from Peel and York Regions, the Ontario Provincial Police and the RCMP resulted in the arrest of more than a dozen people.

Might want to always double check things for the next while...

[mykalberta]

Just an FYI - T3 handles Westjet flights. Most AC flights dont operate out of there. I believe a few do but not many and certainly not any WB.

MYK

[Eastern Girl]

I can't say I am surprised. I had some stuff stolen out of my bag a few years back while going through Pearson. I complained but nothing ever came of it.

[Dion]

I tend to pack rather light and take mine on as carry on. I've had clothes taken from my bag in the past and have luggage lost too. Not worth the risk and hassle anymore.

[edn88]

I lost a dozen new golf balls out of my golf bag once. It sure made me mad, but not much you can do.

Typically, I don't leave anything of value in my checked bags

[fredr123]

Ha! That's why they've come up with all these carryon baggage restrictions. Everyone is incahoots...

Couple golf balls isn't as bad as losing your game-worn jersey, huh Sid?

[GoinAllTheWay]

Are you allowed to put a lock on your checked luggage?

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Are you allowed to put a lock on your checked luggage?

No. They will cut if off if as they need to check luggage sometimes.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Burninator

No. They will cut if off if as they need to check luggage sometimes.

So they MAY cut if off or will assuming you are trying to hide something?

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

So they MAY cut if off or will assuming you are trying to hide something?

No, sorry. If they need to check your luggage then they will cut off your locks. I don't believe that locks are seen as suspicious.

[Nufy]

I have had a few cut off in the past few years.

I just don't bother now.....

[AaronSJ]

Slightly off-topic, but I've always found it odd that baggage claim is in a public area at most airports (such as in Calgary... although not true at bigger airports like Toronto and Montreal), and anyone off the street can grabs bags as they come off the belt... and certainly help themselves to unclaimed bags. In fact, I once had someone claim my bags for me in Saint John (they just grabbed them) after I was delayed en-route (but not my bags... long story).

I'm surprised this isn't a bigger problem...

[RedHot25]

Originally Posted by AaronSJ

I'm surprised this isn't a bigger problem...

I would guess it is, just underreported for a variety of reasons:

-for some fliers, its just not worth it (look in this thread for e.g.s)
-airports don't really want this stuff to hit the media/public, as it results in a negative view
-etc, etc...