How To Protect Your Bags: Luggage Theft Operation Uncovered in Phoenix

Locations in this article:  Phoenix, AZ

Travelers with bagsA massive luggage-theft operation was uncovered in Arizona Monday after a man arrested for stealing a suitcase from an airport in Phoenix was found to have hoarded more than 1,000 pieces of luggage at his house.

Authorities arrested the first suspect Keith Wilson King, 61, three weeks ago when he was caught stealing a bag from the Sky Harbor International Airport. After being released following that incident, police began conducting surveillance on him, and caught him trying to steal bags from the same airport again on November 2.

Keep reading to find out more about what happened and how you can avoid getting your luggage stolen.

After his second arrest, detectives conducted a search of the home King shares with Stacy Lynne Legg-King, 38, in the suburbs west of Phoenix. It was there that they found a staggering number of bags throughout the yard and home.

Moving baggageOfficials say it looked as if a tornado had ripped through the pair’s home, as bags, clothes, and trash were strewn around haphazardly. Police found some suitcases with property still intact, but the tags had been removed from every piece.

King and Legg-King were booked on charges of theft, possession of stolen property, and tampering with evidence. Authorities are not clear exactly what the relationship is between the two.

Neighbors say they aren’t surprised that the duo was up to no good. They became suspicious of the pair after they allegedly held yard sales with conspicuously large amounts of videos, clothes and empty suitcases.

Don’t miss our Luggage & Packing section for more tips.

Neighbors also reported once seeing someone leave the home in the middle of the night with an empty horse trailer, then returning with it full.

Lost luggage pileSky Harbor airport officials say they are examining their baggage security procedures and considering bringing back bag-tag checks, which were eliminated years ago due to budget cuts.

So what can the average traveler do to protect him or herself?

If you check your bags when you fly, make sure to pick them up as soon as you can after you land. Since many people have similar luggage, so make sure you clearly mark yours. Consider tying a bright ribbon around the handle to help it stand out from other bags on the carousel.

Keep medications, valuables, approved toiletries, and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case something does happen to your bag. But most importantly, be sure to check that you have all of your valuables

By Dan Bence for PeterGreenberg.com.

Related Links: MSNBC, CNN

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