Over 900 Items Stolen, And Recovered

If you're still not convinced you shouldn't put valuables in your checked bags, this one's for you.

The Chicago Tribune reports eight contract baggage handlers for Delta Air Lines have stolen 900 items from checked bags at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) over the past year.

The valuables reportedly range from ranging from laptops and computer accessories, to iPods, to such low-end booty as cologne and cigarettes.

Airport police said Thursday formal charges have not been filed. None of the suspects have been named, but police and company officials did talk about other details. The workers allegedly opened bags before placing them on outbound flights, and carried stolen items out in coats, fanny packs, or backpacks.

Airport Police Chief Paul Mason says the workers were employed by Huntleigh USA, a St. Louis contractor hired by Delta.

Richard Sporn, Huntleigh's CEO, announced all eight have been fired. But he added, "Unfortunately we are not the first for something like this to happen. All we can do is learn from this and try to make sure it doesn't happen again."

And you thought the charge for checking your first bag was highway robbery...

Mason says a special hotline has been set up for passengers who believe they've been victims of the thefts. If you can tell investigators what was on your iPod, or what directions were last entered into a GPS, you may be able to get your stuff back. The hotline number is (314) 890-1822.

FMI: www.flystl.com