Flight theft: Reports of missing items, including cash, credit cards, and mobile phones, have surged on flights at KLIA say the police.
PETALING JAYA: Selangor CPO Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said a total of 267 police reports were lodged over missing items, including cash, credit cards, mobile phones and other valuable items on flights at KLIA since 2022.“In 2022, 33 reports were lodged, followed by 88 reports last year and 146 reports this year,” he told The Star.
Of all the reports lodged, the police have been able to open only 26 investigation papers (IP), Comm Hussein said.
This is because the victims were unsure about when their items went missing, he explained.
“Investigations couldn’t commence as there were no red-handed arrests, and the travellers (victims) involved had resumed their journey to their respective countries.
“Another factor is the items could have gone missing or been misplaced due to the victims’ own negligence,” he said.
Comm Hussein said 30 foreigners have been detained in connection with theft on planes at KLIA since 2022.
“Four suspects were detained last year and 26 this year. Those arrested were initially detained by the flights’ respective cabin crews before they were handed over to the police,” he said.
Of the 26 investigation papers opened, 18 cases have been successfully prosecuted with the suspects pleading guilty to stealing, Comm Hussein said.
“One case is still being investigated, and seven other cases were classified as ‘No Further Action (NFA)’ due to lack of witness statements,” he added.
Travellers who use carry-on luggage are advised to install locks and other forms of added security on their bags, Comm Hussein said.
They should keep these bags where they can see them at all times, the best place being in front of them (at their feet), he added.
“They should also report to the cabin crew if they encounter any suspicious incident or individual,” he said.
According to Comm Hussein, in-flight thefts are believed to be perpetrated by lone individuals as well as syndicates comprising two to four people who are also passengers.
“These groups would travel in flights to and from Asean coun tries as well as Malaysia’s domestic destinations.
“The thieves would take advantage of various situations on board the aircraft, including pretending to take items from the overhead compartments.
“More often than not, they would wait until the victims were asleep or the lights were dimmed during long-haul flights,” he said, adding that among the popular items targeted by in-flight thieves were credit cards, jewellery, cash and wallets.
