A $15,000 camera, Gucci bags, and name-brand clothing and jewellery are among the thousands of dollars in valuables stolen by baggage handlers at Los Angeles International Airport.
Los Angeles police Captain Raymond Maltez said on Thursday that the joint operation with airport police started after police noticed lost and theft reports occurring at the airport more frequently when certain crews handled luggage.
Maltez says while some thieves worked together, most acted on their own, seizing opportunities to pocket items from luggage in transit. He said there was a general culture of acceptance of theft among the baggage handlers.
The thieves targeted bags that were travelling longer distances or had multiple transfers.
Six people have been arrested so far after police served dozens of search warrants on Wednesday night.
