How to avoid baggage theft

Award-winning content creator Mihlali Ndamase was not happy when someone broke the cable off her bag and stole her wig at the airport recently. She is not alone. Many travellers have had their belongings stolen from their suitcases. To prevent this, here are tips to avoid airport baggage theft:

Never pack valuable items in your checked luggage

Always carry your valuables in your hand luggage together with a copy of your boarding pass. Rather have a watchful eye on your belongings. Make sure your bag is secured

You are the one responsible for your bag and should ensure it’s secure. Invest in baggage insurance, which covers lost, damaged or stolen checked or carry-on luggage. Lock your luggage with a Tsaapproved lock

Locking your bag makes it harder for people to steal from it. Ensure that there is also a tag with your name and contact details so if someone finds your bag, they can return it to you. Report the loss to the airline’s customer service agents

Before you report your bag missing or stolen, check your surroundings to see if it wasn’t set aside. If your bag is lost, you will need to provide documentation of its contents to the airline. For future travel, take photographs of the contents of your checked luggage. If stolen, you will have proof to support your claim.