Who investigates stolen items from checked-in bags?

[Orlando 0]

I'm on a business trip to California and brought the skydiving toys to make a quick stop at Perris. Opened the suitcase and noticed that everything is out of place. Upon closer inspection my video bag is opened and the camera and all cables are missing. So I look around in the bag (Yea right, like is that big to get lost). I am hoping that the items shifted during the flight.

Finally I give up searching the suitcase and realized that someone took the camera out. They also took my two Neptune, which are on a separate bag inside the suitcase. Oddly enough, the camera helmet and my suit survived. It seems the only interest was electronic items.

Not the way I wanted to start the trip, but nothing I can do to make it re-appear.

I started calling the travel agency, the Airline, the credit card company and everyone to ask what remedies there is for this kind of thing.

The travel agency says, report it to the Airline. The Airline (Continental) says that electronics are not covered in checked in bags. That, I was supposed to take that bag as carry-on. Yea right, I already have one carry-on (The parachute) and a computer bag. I'm sure that if I take a 3rd bag they would be very happy to check one.

The credit card company (American Express) says that camcorders are insured up to $250.00. I guess that camcorders are cheap these days, but Sony PC-1000 are not that cheap

I asked all three companies who should I report a stolen item, and two of them came back with I don’t know. The credit card company suggested calling the local police.

So who investigate theft during flights? There has to be a law enforcement agency one can report this events.

Any suggestions?

Saludos,
Orlando
Hispa #48 || www.amador.org || Xtreme Divers

[JoeyRamone 0]

That SUCKS. I would call the local police.

[2fat2fly 0]

In my experience, the airline blames the TSA, the TSA blames the airline, the passenger gets screwed. Now I just leave money in one of my outside pouches of my checked bag and hope that they'll be satisfied with that and stay out of my bag.

About 2 out of 5 times, the money's gone.

I am not the man. But the man knows my name...and he's worried

[skymama 37]

That sucks that this happened to you and that you're getting such a run around. I don't know who you should report it to, but I am wondering if you had a TSA approved lock on the bag or no lock at all?

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[warpedskydiver 0]

Call the Feds this is an interstate commerce thing

[Orlando 0]

Since 9-11 I'm have not put a lock on the checked-in bags. Mostly, because the TSA people will ask you if the locks are removed.

I saw in the TSA web site that there is some kind of locks they approve for the bags. I'll look into that for future trips. Still, if it means a lock that someone other that me can open the locks, I think I'll stick with a regular lock and let the TSA people break it if the need to.

Either way, I definitely we'll need to rethink my travel bag arrangements.

PS. I used to think that people traveling with a lot of carry-on stuff were dumb. Now I realize they new better.

Saludos,
Orlando
Hispa #48 || www.amador.org || Xtreme Divers

[skymama 37]

I bought the special locks and use them on my bags. The TSA is supposed to be the only ones with the key and you can stand there and wait to see if they open your bag and you can watch them go through your stuff. After that, no one is supposed to be able to get in your bag. I asked because I wanted to see if that was true or not or if I just wasted my money on those locks.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[Orlando 0]

I called the airport management and the sent me to the local sheriff office. I'm my way back to the airport to file a claim. I guess it could help with issurance claims and such.

I guess what I really wanted is like in a law and order episode, that they catch the bad guy before the first half of the show.

Saludos,
Orlando
Hispa #48 || www.amador.org || Xtreme Divers

[warpedskydiver 0]

Dude I am telling you that interstate shipping, and commerce, is protected under federal law.

The Sherriff may not realize this, or may not recall that fact.

Airline/Airport employees are really screwed when they steal, they just arent smart enough to avoid it.

I am not saying they are all stupid, just the ones who steal.

[Dumpster 0]

So where do you get the locks from?

Easy Does It

[Armour666 0]

maby on futher inspection your 6pair of Gucci Shoes and belts were gone

SO this one time at band camp.....

"Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most."

[skymama 37]

Quote

So where do you get the locks from?

I got mine from Brookstone when they first came out, but now I've seen them at normal places like Wal-Mart and Target. They look like normal combination locks, only there is a small keyhole on the bottom of it and there's a special symbol showing that it is a TSA lock. It should also say it on the packaging. I think they run somewhere between $7-$10.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[Davepr 0]

contra pai!!! que cosa cabrona....

Te hablo aca, pero Continnental son unos cabrones...

[akjmpplt 0]

Quote

Dude I am telling you that interstate shipping, and commerce, is protected under federal law.

This isn't interstate commerce. It's a private person flying on a mode of transportation. The Feds could care less.

Report it to the local law enforcement agency. They should take a report. They may be working similar cases.

For the 20 years I worked as a cop at a large airport that's the way we did it. Don't hold out a lot of hope to get your stuff back however. One problem is figuring out where the theft occured.

SmugMug

[Dumpster 0]

Sweet - Thanks for the info - I don't do alot of flying and my gear is covered by my homeowners insurance, ( I had a rider added to the policy-) but if I can avoid the hassle I will!

Easy Does It

[homer 0]

Because I don't trust them I make sure I get to the airport early and check in when lines are short. After check in I will just stand to the side and watch my bag until the TSA is done inspecting my things and has put it on the conveyer. I have waited for more than 30 min. before just to watch them.

I hope you get your stuff replaced and the thief gets his in the end.

CSA #699 Muff #3804

[droquette 0]

Im really sorry to hear that Orlando.. you are the last person that should have to deal with shit like that.

I also have the TSA approved locks...no clue if they work or are BS... I got mine at travelsmith.com
I have an extra one Orlando.. when you get back its yours...


Blue skies... dont let that shit ruin your trip!

Dan

HISPA 72 ----- "Muff Brother" 3733

[Gforce 0]

Forget the locks.... Just put a weeks worth of dirty underwear so that it's the first thing they see when they open it up. Look at it as the "first" line of defense. Hee-hee!

[Orlando 0]

I'll get another alti at the store in Perris and see about a camera when I get home. I hope that B&H still have some PC-1000 in stock. Along with the camera they also took the wide angle lens. That is another thing to replace.

The sad part is that the credit card company will only cover $250.00 for the camcorder. That could probably cover 1/3 of the price.

This is the second time I regret not taking an insurance option. The first was the cell phone that I trashed while retrieving a cutway main and now the home owners insurance option for the electronic equipment. I can already hear the insurance agent telling me "I told you so...".

Oh well, I'm stilling jumping this weekend. All I need now is to funnel the formation, go low, have two canopies out, cutway, loose the main ......

Saludos,
Orlando
Hispa #48 || www.amador.org || Xtreme Divers

[slug 1]

Sorry about your gear

File a offical report with TSA Form #XXXXX.

TSA knows they have a problem at that location/s ,after they get enought offical complaints they might set up some camera's and catch the SOB's. Because the theives won't quit until they get caught.

BTW keep a copy of the paperwork you sent to the TSA JIC they lose it.

R.I.P.

[happythoughts 0]

You must have been flying through Miami. It is a sport there.

A few years ago, 60 Minutes (or one of those news shows) did a special on it. The baggage handlers were leaving work through the gate with large garbage bags over their shoulders and no one was doing crap about it until the tv show aired.

60 Minutes was saying, "If this is so obvious to us..."

For a month or two, it was a big deal, but now it is back to situation normal.

[droquette 0]

dont worry so much about the wide angle orlando... i have the 30% off cookie products... ill let you use it!

blue skies,
dan

HISPA 72 ----- "Muff Brother" 3733