I have been reading everyone's stories re stolen items from checked baggage - at least now I know I'm not the only one it happened to! I just got back from NY on 3 July 08, and when I arrived in London to pick up my luggage I noticed my suitcase was unzipped with bits of clothes sticking out. The low-life thieves didn't even care about making it look like nothing was taken, absolutely zero respect. I didn't realise until I got home how much had been taken, most likely from JFK airport, ie. customs (although not likely?) or baggage handlers (more likely) - 2 newly-bought designer handbags, Ed Hardy tops and Saks sandals, even a sports bra, in other words anything nice and valuable to me bought on a specific shopping trip...gone. I was so angry and upset! What gives them the right to steal from passengers, do they have a whole operation set up whereby they pad up their incomes by selling off goods? I will claim for insurance but it's not the money I care about, its the amazing finds I can only get in NY that I want back! I will pursue this matter and write to London papers etc, in the hope of having media attention lead to this matter being addressed 'higher up' in JFK. It is surely NOT in JFK or management's interest to have thieves working for them, and absolutely no security measures in place to stop it from happening. It also makes me concerned that airlines are saying they are being so strict in regards to terrorism, but if baggage handlers cannot be trusted with bags, then what does that say about preventing terrorism. The whole experience has ruined my holiday and my impression of NY, which is something I don't want to feel but can't help after such a violation of my simple right to have checked baggage come back to me with all the items, MY BELONGINGS, still in there.
Devastated by JFK baggage thieves