Theft At Airport ScreeningHow can travelers prevent airport screening theft? In order to do so let’s examine how this scam works. Travelers in a hurry to get to a flight or just tired from prior traveling rarely pay attention to their surroundings while in airports. They hustle up to the security checkpoint and place their items on the conveyor belt and wait their turn to pass thru the metal detector. All of a sudden they here the infamous “beep beep” and are stopped for further screening by airport security officials from the Transportation Security Administration. During all the commotion a criminal either in front or behind them purposely steals their bag, money, or laptops which were on the conveyor belt. The criminal usually goes unnoticed by anyone because of the large number of passengers who pass thru the checkpoint daily. In order to avoid this type of airport theft from happening to you while traveling there are a couple of precautions that can be taken. First, understand that airport security can sometimes be taken for granted and make travelers feel that airport crime cannot occur while inside. This is not the case. Even after extra security measures were put in place after the September 11th attacks in the United States, crimes still occur inside airports. Second, travelers should always be aware of their surroundings, especially when passing thru security checkpoints. Notice the people around you. Who is in front and behind you? Could you describe them to law enforcement authorities in the event of a theft incident? Third, place money and jewelry inside bags or shoes. Refrain from taking money directly from your pockets and placing it inside the binds in plain view of other travelers. Lastly, make sure that you have
personal records
of items like laptops, IPods, or Blackberries at home in case they are lost or stolen while traveling. This way you can report the information to the police and insurance companies.
|
