MID-AIR HEISTS: Incidents of theft on commercial flights rise

International

COMMERCIAL airlines have become an emerging target for thieves orchestrating in-flight heists, with multiple incidents of theft occurring on recent flights.

These crimes typically involve passengers having their valuables, including cash, jewelry, and credit cards, stolen during the flight.

The most recent case involved two Chinese nationals who were fined a total of RM5,700 (Php 75,000) by the Balik Pulau Magistrates’ Court for stealing over RM5,500 (Php 72,000) from two Malaysian passengers on a flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, a report by The Star/Asia News Network stated.

This follows a similar theft on October 26, when a 49-year-old man from mainland China was arrested for allegedly stealing more than HK$4,300 (Php 32,655) from two passengers on a flight from Malaysia to Hong Kong.

Another recent incident saw a male suspect caught stealing RM3,000 (Php 39,535) from a passenger during a flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur.

According to reports, many of these thefts go unnoticed, as victims often don’t realize their belongings are missing until after they have disembarked.

On December 4, Hong Kong’s security chief revealed that reported thefts onboard flights to Hong Kong had nearly doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year.

A total of 169 theft cases were reported in the first ten months of 2024, compared to 92 in 2023, with stolen items amounting to around HK$4.32 million (Php 32.8 million).

A commercial pilot explained that these crimes are often orchestrated by syndicates, particularly on flights between Vietnam, Bangkok, China, and Hong Kong.

The thieves typically work in teams, scouting for victims before the flight and stealing items while the cabin lights are dimmed for sleep.

The stolen goods are then passed to accomplices at various points, such as the aircraft lavatory.

Airlines have responded by increasing passenger awareness, making announcements about safeguarding belongings, and dimming cabin lights instead of turning them off entirely.

In some cases, the crew is instructed to assign suspicious individuals to window seats and enhance in-flight security patrols.

However, passengers are generally advised that airlines are not liable for stolen valuables, and insurance claims require solid proof of the theft.(CMM)