How Checked Luggage Thieves Choose Bags to Steal (Avoid This!)

About this video

• Video Title: How Checked Luggage Thieves Choose Bags to Steal (Avoid This!)
• Channel: Project Untethered
• Speakers: None listed
• Duration: 00:08:26

Overview

This video explains how checked luggage thieves operate by understanding their "rational choice theory" – assessing risk, effort, and chance of getting caught. It then details three common factors that make luggage targets: TSA locks, revealing luggage tags, and generic, easily blendable suitcases. The video offers practical solutions to mitigate these risks and protect belongings from theft.

Key takeaways

• Thieves' Mindset: Thieves operate on a "rational choice theory," evaluating the risk, effort, and likelihood of being caught. They seek the path of least resistance with the highest reward, influenced by time pressure, blending in, and plausible deniability.
• TSA Locks are a False Sense of Security: While intended for security, TSA locks can actually attract thieves by signaling valuables. They are easily defeated with a pen or are widely available for purchase, and airport security may break them (or the luggage) during inspections, leaving belongings vulnerable.
• Luggage Tags Reveal Too Much: Tags with home addresses and phone numbers inform thieves that the homeowner is traveling and provide the exact location of a potentially empty house. This information is easily accessible at check-in counters, baggage claim, and even by airline staff.
• Generic Suitcases Aid Blending In: Plain, common suitcases, especially black ones, make it easy for thieves to blend in and claim a bag as their own, even if it's not, using the excuse of "wrong bag."
• Protective Measures: To avoid theft, consider using tamper-proof zippers, zip ties instead of locks, luggage covers, or saran wrap. Use luggage tags with privacy covers or minimal information (like an email alias), and make luggage easily identifiable with stickers or unique straps to deter opportunistic theft and aid in quick retrieval from baggage claim.