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JFK baggage handlers charged with stealing $250,000 in jewelry

by Catherine Bodry (RSS feed) on Jan 15th 2008 at 6:30PM

Two baggage handlers at JFK airport, a 51-year-old worker and his 39-year-old supervisor, have been charged with grand larceny and possession of stolen property, according to MSNBC.

The thieves haven't been slowly pilfering individual luggage, however; instead, they stole everything from one container marked "high value." One of the men opened the container, passed the goods off to the other guy, who put it in his jacket and later a locker -- where the jewels were found.

Now, I'm in no way excusing the theft, but doesn't it seem counterintuitive to mark something as "high value?"

Wow, if it's not the baggage handlers, it's the TSA. Which group frustrates you most?

Just in case you didn't know how many people hate the TSA, here are some reasons to be annoyed with them:

Filed under: North America, United States, Airports

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)

emily smolar Feb 1st 2008 2:58PM

Any victims of lugguge theft out there want to share your story with WCBS? If so, e-mail me at esmolar@cbs.com

Rob Mar 31st 2008 7:38PM

Why isn't there a checkpoint screening in and out of baggage handling. They should bring nothing in and nothing out and go through metal detectors etc.

Nobody ever mentions it but if they can take stuff out they can put stuff in luggage and if they are looking to make a buck, they could be persuaded to put something dangerous in someone's baggage for cash. These folks should be carefully screened for employment and should go through metal detectors just like the pilots and flight attendants do.

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Sunny Sep 22nd 2008 6:21PM

I always carry my items on. EVERYTHING. I have a 20 inch sports bag that I can pack all my stuff in. It was fine. Until recently. Now they charge money to "check" your bag. Everyone brings their items onto the plane. First, it takes forever to get through security. The TSA gives everyone these suspicious looks as if we are all hardend criminals. Then you have to hope you board the plane first so you can actually put your bag overhead. It's terrible. People bring on these huge, bulky suitcases and the flight attendents have to find a place to put them. I know there are regulations, but nobody really follows them.

No Really Jan 16th 2008 8:55AM

This is so predictable. I knew it was JFK the minute I read the headline. Any theft in an airport usually comes from JFK. They hire a bunch of degenerates and ex cons. Not saying ex cons can't work, just that JFK does a bad job pre screening their employees. I always take high priced items on board with me whether it's an ipod, or even an expensive pair of shoes. I leave dirty laundry in the bag in hopes they put their hand in that one. Losers!

Europe Online Sep 25th 2011 4:34PM

I traveled Paris to Boston and opened my luggage at home and found from my expensive underwear "sets", bra and pants, all the pants were all stolen! Who do you go to for that? I thought and thought about it. Then realised it had to be the baggage handlers - male or female. As France is known for beautiful underwear, they probably are in a kind of TRADE we don't even know about!

Mel Jan 16th 2008 9:03AM

I think the REAL question here is, "Why is it that airlines (and law enforcement officials) simply look the other way when they know their baggage handlers are stealing; whether it be $250K in jewelry or someone's $200 digital camera?" Isn't stealing still STEALING, no matter what the value of the item(s)?

Maybe it's just me.

jen Jan 16th 2008 11:23AM

I had a "flight change" in JFK. Plane never came in so after changing gate 3 times, they put us on a smaller plane. I was carrying my bag on since it was a 2 day business trip. The smaller plane had no over head space left, so had to check luggage at plane. When I got off plane, no luggage. (now my jewelry and valuables were in my suitcase because I was CARRY IT ON) 3 days later, my luggage was delivered minus my jewelry, camera and a few other valuables.
Guess what....airline not responsible....they tell you not to put valuables in your suitcase!

KBHRET Jan 16th 2008 11:29AM

law enf looks the other way because it is easier to simply use taxpayer money to settle the claims filed by the "victim-passengers."

American taxpayers are sheep and your gov't knows it.

Sandy Jan 16th 2008 11:53AM

The fact that there are thiefs at the airports, is this a big surprise? There was stealing before and now that we cannot lock our luggage, I'm surprised that there is anything in the bag. Please have sense enough not to put anything of value in the checked bags. Put it in the carry-on. If it's legal, you need not be afraid of the TSA.

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JEFF Jan 16th 2008 9:10AM

JFK AND NEWARK ARE PEOPLED BY THEIVES. TRY NOT TIPPING A BAGAGE HANDELER AND YOUR LUGGAGE GOES TO ALASKA, AND I MEAN AT LEAST 5 BUCKS,,, REALLY.

JEFF Jan 16th 2008 9:10AM

JFK AND NEWARK ARE RUN BY THEIVES. TRY NOT TIPPING A BAGAGE HANDELER AND YOUR BAGS GO TO ALASKA. REALLY! AND I MEAN AT LEAST 5 BUCKS, OR ELSE.

Walker Jan 16th 2008 9:21AM

"Now, I'm in no way excusing the theft, but doesn't it seem counterintuitive to mark something as "high value?""

You're surprised? I have no doubts that low-wage baggage handlers steal on a daily basis. And I'd bet you're one who screams that firearms should be marked, which is also required. Since ammo cannot be put in checked baggage or carried onto a flight, thereby effectively disabling the weapon, I never have understood why the firearm container must be marked with a huge orange tag that says "UNLOADED FIREARM". That's simply telling baggage handlers and anyone else who may see it what is worth stealing.

NOTHING should be marked or required to be marked as to what is valuable.

DJN Jan 16th 2008 9:13AM

I didn't put my $2,600 Armani leather jacket in my luggage coming back from Europe, won't put my Barney's of New York winter jacket in my checked baggage just on the chance it gets lost or "lost," I like that my luggage doesn't look brand new or expensive and someone checks $250,000 worth of jewelry and marks it "high value?"

Rookie mistake. Scummy baggage handlers, but the passenger sounds like a mo-ron.

Dan Jan 16th 2008 9:21AM

So, are we supposed to be surprised?

Iris Jan 16th 2008 9:26AM

That is horrible. They need to screen the handlers better than they do. But then again who would be stupid enough to put expensive jewelry in their luggage. I always carry it with me. That is open season for thieves.

JUDY Jan 16th 2008 9:37AM

Never Never put jewelry in your luggage. I always put it in my carry on w/my purse. That was the most stupid thing any one can do unless it was a sting operation to find out who was doing the stealing.

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