PHOENIX — Bryan Lewis became the latest to be arrested on charges related to stealing bags right from the baggage claim at Sky Harbor.
The arrest comes just weeks before millions of people are set to take flight for the Memorial Day weekend.
“Millions and millions of passengers go by our airport,” Luis A. Samudio, Phoenix spokesperson, said. “It’s going to be hard to prevent someone from taking something that doesn’t belong to them.”
Lewis is far from the first to be arrested for something like this. Most notably, Stacey and Keith King were sentenced to prison after they stole a thousand bags from Sky Harbor.
Samudio did have tips for travelers:
- Minimize your potential losses. Don't put valuables like jewelry, electronics, and medicine in checked bags.
- If you see suspicious activity, let police know, they can check the baggage tags and it can help prevent a crime.
- Put something on your bag to differentiate itself from other bags. This can be as simple as tying a ribbon. It may deter thieves and also help prevent someone from accidentally taking your bag.
- Go to the baggage claim immediately after getting off the plane. It may be obvious, but if you are there when your bag drops down, it can stop your stuff from getting stolen.