Frequent flyers warned to be vigilant as theft on board flights on the rise

 

THE cabin of a plane is not a safe haven full of jolly travellers. Instead, its crowded, chaotic nature makes it ideal for scammers and thieves to carry out all manner of mischief.

In fact, incidents of in-flight theft are very much on the rise, especially in the Asian region, according to Kuching-based pilot Abangcaptain on Facebook.

Based on statistics, cases at KLIA alone have risen 342% to 146 as of October 2024 from 33 cases in 2022.

The aviation industry expert observed that the following are four main reasons why this crime happens and has become more prevalent:

1. Organised syndicates

Theft is no longer just the act of an opportunistic individual but is carried out by criminal syndicates (especially from abroad). They buy airline tickets solely to steal.

These criminals often travel in small groups (of two to four individuals) to observe and signal each other.

2. Taking advantage of passengers’ “inattentive” time

Thieves usually act at critical times when passengers’ vigilance is at its lowest:

• Dim lights time: Especially on long-haul flights when passengers are sleeping.
• Visiting toilet: Passengers often leave belongings on their seats unattended.
• Mealtime: Passengers shift their focus to food, thus providing space for thieves to rummage through overhead bins.

3. The “money exchange” tactic

One of the slick tactics that has been detected is that thieves do not steal the entire content of a wallet.

They only take high-value cash (like greenback, pound sterling or euros) and replace it with low-value banknotes (like riel or rupiah) so that the weight of the wallet remains the same, hence the victim is unaware of the theft until the plane has landed.

4. Overhead luggage space is not personal

Many passengers assume that their items in the overhead bin are safe because they are above their heads. In fact, anyone can open the space under the pretext of taking their own items, hence making the compartment a very vulnerable place.

The good captain also provided some useful tips to protect passengers’ belongings:

• Zipper facing inward: Place the bag in the top compartment with the zipper facing the inside (back) of the luggage compartment. This makes it difficult for thieves to quickly open the bag.
• Use a lock: Even with cabin bags, make sure they are locked. Thieves are looking for easy and quick targets.
• Valuables under the seat: Keep your passport, wallet and jewellery in a small bag placed under the seat in front of you – not in the overhead compartment.
• Place your bag across the aisle: If possible, place your bag in the overhead compartment across from your seat (not directly overhead). This way, you can clearly see if anyone else is touching your bag.

More than a few commenters chipped in with useful suggestions to combat this scourge as evident by the Abangcaptain’s post having garnered 7.3K likes, 495 comments and 3.9K shares at the time of writing.

One simple solution proffered was the installation of CCTVs inside cabins to deter these criminals.

Recounting her own unfortunate experience of having her baggage filched during her flight to Vietnam, one commenter described how thieves used a literal smokescreen upon landing to cloud visibility.

In the ensuing chaos of passengers all trying to reach for their bags in the overhead compartments, the thieves made their move and vanished in the crowd with her belongings.

Dress simple, avoid flashy jewellery and expensive perfumes when travelling to avoid calling attention to oneself was the advice of one commenter. Don’t intentionally make yourself a target was the message here.

Travellers take note. Cabin theft is no longer isolated cases anymore. Be wary, stay vigilant and don’t let scoundrels at airports ruin your holiday. –  Focus Malaysia