Anytime you have to check your luggage it can leave you feeling uneasy. Afterall, leaving your belongings in the care of strangers leaves the door open for theft and unfortunately theft from checked luggage is a thing that happens. However, there are steps you can take to protect your stuff and give you a peace of mind. In this article we will first go over the items most targeted by thieves. Then we will look at the steps you can take to protect your things and will make you feel better about checking your luggage.

What thieves target

1. Electronics and Gadgets

• Laptops and tablets: Often removed from bags that aren’t securely locked.
• Smartphones and gaming devices: Portable and highly resellable.
• Headphones and earbuds: Popular brands like Bose, Sony, or AirPods are frequently taken.
• Cameras and accessories: DSLR cameras, lenses, or compact cameras are often targeted.

2. Jewelry and Watches

• Luxury watches and designer jewelry: Small and high-value, making them easy to steal and sell.

3. Money and Financial Items

• Cash: Always a top target if left in checked bags.
• Credit cards and travelers’ checks: Sometimes overlooked by travelers, these can be misused.

4. Designer and Branded Items

• Clothing and shoes: High-end brands like Gucci or Prada are sought after.
• Handbags or belts: Designer accessories are often targeted.

5. Duty-Free Goods

• Alcohol and perfumes: Purchased before flights and often packed in checked luggage.
• Cigarettes and luxury items: These are high-value and easy to resell.

6. Small Electronics and Accessories

• Power banks, chargers, and adaptors: These are easy to grab unnoticed.
• Portable hard drives or USB devices: Valued for potential data or resale.

7. Miscellaneous Items

• Medication: Some prescription drugs may be taken, especially if they appear valuable or rare.
• Souvenirs: Small, unique items purchased during travel.
• Expensive toiletries: High-end skincare, makeup, or grooming products.

 

How to protect your belongings

 

1. Avoid Packing Valuables

• Carry valuables in your carry-on: Items like electronics, jewelry, passports, cash, and essential medications should never go in checked luggage.
• Minimize high-value items: If possible, don’t pack designer goods or expensive items in checked luggage.

2. Use Secure Luggage

• Choose hard-shell luggage: These are more difficult to tamper with compared to soft-sided bags.
• Invest in quality zippers: Opt for luggage with tamper-resistant zippers or zipperless designs.
• Use TSA-approved locks: These deter opportunistic theft while complying with security regulations.

3. Organize and Conceal Your Items

• Pack strategically: Place less valuable items on top and valuable ones deeper inside, making them harder to access quickly.
• Use pouches or packing cubes: These keep items organized and reduce the chance of something being “lost” or misplaced.
• Wrap items in clothing: Concealing valuable items among layers of clothes can make them less obvious to thieves.

4. Add Deterrents

• Secure your bag with tamper-evident seals: Tamper-proof zip ties or straps make it clear if your bag has been accessed.
• Wrap your luggage: Plastic wrapping at the airport adds an extra layer of protection against tampering.

5. Label and Track Your Bag

• Use visible luggage tags: Include your name and contact information but avoid overly detailed addresses to prevent stalking or targeted theft.
• Attach a GPS tracker: Devices like Apple AirTag, Tile, or Samsung SmartTag can help locate your luggage if it goes missing.

6. Be Mindful of Packing Practices

• Don’t pack items in external pockets: These are more accessible and often targeted.
• Use nondescript luggage: Flashy or designer bags may attract thieves.

7. Maintain Situational Awareness

• Arrive early and supervise bag handling: Watch your bags until they’re on the conveyor belt at check-in.
• Retrieve your luggage promptly: Reducing the time your bag spends on the carousel minimizes the risk of it being stolen.

8. Insure Your Luggage

• Purchase travel insurance: Ensure your policy covers lost or stolen checked items.
• Check airline liability: Understand the airline’s compensation limits and policies for lost or damaged luggage.

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 Information is your best weapon to protect your checked bags from theft. Now, you know what items are more targeted and how to protect them. You can check your luggage with confidence and peace of mind.