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Engagement ring allegedly stolen by LAX security
Here's a true and sad Christmas story:The day after Christmas, my best friend CJ called to tell me she got engaged to her long-time boyfriend Rosendo. "How did he propose?!" I asked. "It's a bittersweet story," she said. Here's how it went:
On Christmas morning, Rosendo was late for his flight from L.A. to Seattle, where he was traveling to celebrate Christmas with CJ. He had been planning on proposing for a while, and had taken the time to have a ring specially designed. As he traveled, he kept the ring in a box in his jacket pocket -- inside two boxes, actually. He was pulled aside at security, where he had put his jacket on the conveyor belt to be scanned. TSA quickly went through his stuff, and afterwards Rosendo sprinted to his gate. He put on his jacket, and felt for the ring box, which was there.
He made his flight, and the next morning -- Proposal Day -- he randomly decided to look at the ring one more time. He opened the ring box -- and it was empty. No ring. Rosendo started hyperventilating and staggered into CJ's parent's living room. Nobody knew what was wrong -- they thought they might need to call an ambulance. All Rosendo said was, "It can't be possible!" When he could say more than those four words, he 'fessed up his plans, and he and CJ went shopping for the cheapest ring they could find.
The only time the ring was out of Rosendo's possession was at airport security. He's filed a police report, to no avail.
How's that for a heartwarming holiday travel story?
It seems there's no shortage of people who hate the TSA. Here are some other reasons to be annoyed with the agency:
- TSA pours out coffee, ignores boxcutter
- TSA steals traveler's pudding, leaves him armed with knife
- TSA thief caught red-handed, arrested
- TSA screeners fail to catch explosives at security checkpoint
- Fight back! Use these luggage tags.
- Go with the flow, and buy goods confiscated by the TSA.
Filed under: Airports
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 10)
NEIL Jan 11th 2008 11:22AM
I had shoes and a field jacket stolen from my military-issue duffel bag after checking it in St Louis with AA. American claims it was probably TSA, TSA claimed it was probably American's baggage handlers. Couldn't prove anything. I filed a report with the airline but never heard anything.
It's what you get when you pay so little you can only hire the dregs of society to "protect" us. What a joke.
A different time they wouldn't let me park my truck in the garage by the airport because i still had my newly changed out car battery in my truck bed (I was holding on to it until I could recycle it properly). Never mind that I could've still pulled the car up to the pick up/drop off RIGHT NEXT to the terminal. So I drove around the block, dumped the old battery in a ditch, then went back into the garage.
Jen Jan 11th 2008 9:30AM
I feel terrible for the guy that got his engagement ring stolen by TSA. I also had a ring stolen by TSA as I was going through an inspection. I had put a diamond anniversary ring in my purse prior to going through inspection. As my bag went through the cameras they stopped the bag. I couldn't see them take my ring out but it was not there when I got upstairs to my departing terminal. I sat and cried. The ring had been given to me for my 10 year wedding anniversary and some rotten TSA person took it. I tried frantically to get police and file a report with TSA but it did no good. I never got reimbursed or my ring back.
Kuai Jan 11th 2008 9:33AM
On the other hand... recently, due to some last minute delays, I was in a rush getting through security at Reagan National and scrambled to my gate - only to arrive there and realize that I'd left my laptop back at security. Ran back there and found that the TSA agents had kept an eye on it for me, then again, maybe they were worried that they'd not scanned it well enough ;-)
Amy Jan 11th 2008 9:39AM
We went to flagstaff with him last week and we only stayed for 2 nights and 3 days. On the check out day we also skiied. We were all in a hurry to leave that my dad left his nano video out on the table. That night as we were driving home and we were playing music on my moms ipod my dad said "Oh $@#$ wheree is my ipod" we called the hotel and they put us on the housekeeping line (they werent there) we left a messege. Of course one of them stole it. My mom got that i-pod for his birthday.
Susan Jan 11th 2008 9:46AM
To Teresa C.
If I hand my belonging into the care of TSA and either they steal it or allow others to steal it then I hold them responsible.
KATHY Jan 11th 2008 9:19PM
I HAVENT HAD ANYTHING STOLEN BUT WHAT TSA IN ATLANTIC CITY DID WAS OUTRAGEOUS. I GOT THERE LATE BECAUSE MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS VERY SICK FEVER, STREP THROAT, ETC. WE ARE ON OUR WAY HOME FROM NJ TO TAMPA. MY TICKET WAS PICKED TO BE SEARCH. NO BIG DEAL RIGHT.. WRONG. NOT ONLY DID THEY SEARCH ME, THEY SEARCHED MY SICK GRANDDAUGHTER MY DAUGHTER IN LAW AND MY THREE MONTH OLD GRANDSON. THEY WERE SO NASTY. WHEN THE GIRL FROM THE AIRLINE CAME DOWN TO ALL US THEY SAID WE WOULD GET THERE WHEN THEY WERE DONE. SO THEY DELAYED WHAT THEY WERE DOING AND NEEDLES TO SAY WE MISSED THE PLANE. WE HAD TO SPEND OVER $300 TO FLY TO ORLANDO WHILE OUR BAGS WERE GOING TO TAMPA. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE DOING UNFORGIVEABLE THINGS AND PEOPLE HAVE TO BE CHECKED BUT A THREE MONTH OLD AND A 3 YR OLD. THEN THEY CHECKED MY LAPTOP AS IF I HAD SOMETHING STORED IN IT.. IT JUST GOT OUT OF HAND. WAS I REIMBUSED NO. EVERY TSA AGENT I TALK TO SAID THEY HAD NO RIGHT TO SEARCH THE KIDS OR MY DAUGHTER IN LAW IF THERE TICKET WASNT CHOSEN. SO NOW I GO ONLINE AND SPEAK TO NO ONE. THANK GOD I DIDNT TALK TO THE PEOPLE IN LINE THAT DAY EVERYONE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEARCHED..
CLL Jan 11th 2008 9:44AM
There is no question these thiefs stole the ring. My aunt had the exact same thing happen except it involved a litte pouch that had a couple of hundred dollars folded up. She knew it was there before she went through security because she bought coffee at the airport. It was a pouch with a long strap she around her neck. She was chosen to have a "search" and they made her take it off of course. They also made her turn her back to her stuff that was being searched. She realized later that the group of them at security had a scam going. She complained to the airport as well but absolutely nothing was done. Don't take your eyes off of your property if you are selected for a security search.
Otmer Horn Jan 11th 2008 9:44AM
On my European trip several years ago, someone at Kennedy pried the locks off my musical instrument case to get inside ... it wasn't even locked ... I had to use a belt to hold it together for the rest of the trip ...
barbara Jan 11th 2008 9:47AM
Over Christmas Flying mback to my winter home I had to change planes. I was sick ans stupidly packed my digital camera and web cam (new) in my luggage. When I arrived at the second airport my luggage was missing. Even when they finally cound it guess what was missing? Both airlines advised trhey were not responsible for any electronics???? I said I can't lock my luggage and your baggage handlers can rifle thru and take what they want and "Tooo bad, so sad"??? I am all for security,however, security had a fit with my gel deodorant and was very rude,but, I have no recourse for their employees stealing my property. What's wrong with this picture?
susan miles Jan 11th 2008 9:50AM
Ok, the ring was DOUBLE boxed, and in his jacket pocket when it went through the scanner and then pulled aside to be searched. Where was this guy? Did he not watch his boxed ring being opened???? Sounds fishy.
roger Jan 11th 2008 10:03AM
TSA employees do steal things at airports.
I have had it happen to me twice. How do I know? Well, there is no such thing as material items vanishing to thin air without a trace. And if something goes through the X-ray machine and does not come out the other end, where do you think it goes to?
People are very sly these days. We are distracted at security checkpoints. Security cameras do not catch everything. People in the TSA are very secretive and slick. They will never admit to having a problem, although passengers are well aware of it - because they DO have things stolen.
Even after filing a complaint one will find that there is no satisfaction to be gained. You WILL neve recover something that is stolen at the airport security areas. You will always find that the authoritys will dtermine that nothing was done improperly...
I believe every story here about items being stolen. Especially the one about the engagement ring, because the very same thing happened to me. Believe it.
BC Jan 11th 2008 9:54AM
Story sounds like BS to me!
Nhat Jan 11th 2008 9:59AM
What do you expect? The "TSA" is really the Theft Service Agency. It matters not what the item is, what is important, is its value to the Examiner. How else do you think the Government pays them? As for "Homeland Security" they've become a greater threat than Al Qaeda ever was.
roger Jan 11th 2008 9:59AM
TSA employees do steal things. If it has not happened to you you just will never know.
I have had the very same thing as the missing engagement ring happen. People get distracted at security checkpoints. One never would think that if you put something in to be scanned at the X-Ray machine that it will not come out the other end. This is especially if it is zipped in a pocket or in a bag. there is no such thing as magic wherein things just vanish in to thin air with no explanation.
And if you do file a complaint with the TSA you will receive an answer back that it has been determined that nothing wrong was done. Security cameras evidently do not monitor these TSA people very well.
If you jabe not had anything stolen at the airport, you have no right to comment. Believe it! It happens very often these days. The TSA people are not looking out for your individual rights. They are not angels. In fact a lot of them are dounright nasty and frustrated people with low-paying and demanding jobs. One fringe benefit they do have is being able to steal other people's personal items.
Ramona Jan 11th 2008 9:59AM
I opened my suitcase after arriving at my hotel, and there was chocolate stains on my clothes. The person must have been drinking hot chocolate while inspecting my luggage. I was sent forms to fill out ect...too much work. I just threw them out!
Phil Cleland Jan 11th 2008 10:02AM
Once in the Tampa airport TSA would not let a workman through security even though he had a badge since he had a utility knife in his tool belt. The workman asked for a supervisor after the TAS clerk told him that they would not "hold" the knife for him, and he had to go put it back in his truck. The supervisor agreed to hold his utility (remember a 1" blade) for him. But neither the supervisor or clerk noticed or commented on the multiple screwdrivers he was carrying some with lengths of 10 inches. What scares you more, a 1" blade or a 10" screwdriver?
Sam Jan 11th 2008 4:31PM
Does TSA/Homeland Security have suggestion boxes or online? I will check after commenting.
It seems a no-brainer that TSA staff as well as baggage handlers would be required to wear no pocket clothing while working and be searched before they enter their workplace as well as when they exit.
No-brainer because as a supervisor I do not want my employees accused of stealing and anyone actually stealing will be fired and arrested on the spot.
It also seems a no-brainer that there should be a separate line for passengers who have valuables or think they have valuables to go through security at a slow pace. Then when something is set off by what is on the body of the passenger the line stops!!! Remember this is the special line. There will not be other passengers touching a bin not belonging to them supposedly trying to get to their things. The passenger who sets off the alarm has the wand passed over and then and only then is the line restarted.
Maybe passengers who set off the alarm can be escorted to a separate room with armed guards but allowed to take all of their belongings from the bins BEFORE other passengers can go around and get in front of them while the alarmed passengers things are on the bin being stolen.
Regarding surveillance cameras. How many times have you tried to get a camera review when your item(s) has been stolen? They will not do this timely. Remember seeing the thieves/staff steal things on the news? I am not sure why the surveillance cameras are there since stafff continues to steal any and everything despite knowing the surv. cameras are present.
Interesting how a passenger in the line steals, is seen on camera and cannot be found by police considering I need 25 pieces of I.D. to get to the security checkpoint and x-ray belt. Hmmmmm.
Everytime I enter the security checkpoint the area is in choas. Why is it so chaotic? This should be a orderly and organized area. Maybe, just maybe, TSA, needs to step up its standards for employees it hires and increase the pay.
Now please tell me how to prevent passengers who are sneezing and coughing with obvious colds and/or the flu from getting on the jets AND sitting next to me?
les Jan 12th 2008 9:32AM
I am a frequent traveller and I have never experienced any theft by TSA (Thousands Standing Around). However, I do know when they have been into my bag because my things are often put back haphazardly and because I find the printed notice informing me that my bag was searched.
I've written to TSA suggesting that the printed notices be stamped with the Inspector's number so that there is some traceability in the event of a problem. This suggestion has never merited a reply, which leads to my next comment. Some members of TSA have forgotten who they work for and seem to regard the travelling public as a nuisance to which they have no accountability. In the private sector these people would be out of a job.
heraa1113 Jan 11th 2008 10:07AM
LOST RING may be recovered,, you can still ask to see tapes within 30 days . I worked for TSA and those of you who think they dont steal are sadly mistaken. It happened everyday. Thieves are among us every day and they are getting better all the time. When they see what is on the x-ray , they signal for a checker and that is most likely your guilty person. The xray guy can reach in to what you cant see also. Thats why never take your eyes off anything. If you do, he has a chance and will take it. If you recall faces, look for the person, they may be wearing it. Ask for a screening manager. Ask if anyone is showing off a new ring. Most of all foolish to put it in the xray machine anyway. AND fill out the report , it will be looked into.
frnklwrnr29 Jan 13th 2008 9:25PM
Disney has a way of tracking what maids go in your room because everyone of them have unique card key.......