2 RDU Baggage Handlers Charged in Thefts

Raleigh, N.C. — Two Raleigh men who load bags for Northwest Airlines at Raleigh-Durham International Airport have been charged with thefts from passengers' luggage, authorities said.

Derrick Mitchell, 24, of 4417 Woodlawn Drive, was charged with larceny in connection with the theft of a portable navigation system valued at $1,076 from one passenger and purse containing about $13 in coins and $10 in bills from a second traveler. James Waker, 27, of 909 Navajo Drive, was charged with aiding and abetting felony larceny.

Both men work for Swissport USA at RDU.

Airport police receive a few reports of merchandise stolen from luggage each month, and officers are reviewing those to determine whether any more charges are warranted in the case, RDU spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin said.

"They will look at past reports of stolen property. They will talk to the airlines, to the Transportation Security Administration and see if there is a pattern – to see if this is something that was going on before it was reported (Monday)," Hamlin said.

RDU officials recommended that airline passengers keep anything of value with them in their carry-on luggage to make sure it isn't misplaced or stolen.

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Latest Comments

Those guys will be out in less time than in takes you to get through screening! Navajo drive huh? I guess I know what that means! typical!

ncguy
December 13, 2007 8:47 a.m.

The plural of camera is cameras, not camera's.

Moriahe
December 12, 2007 10:19 p.m.

Guys, a lot of the airports already **have** RFID's in the stupid label they slap on your handle. That won't stop people from grabbing the contents. I have examined the tags and they do have the lovely transmitter embedded in it. Not sure if all airports are set up to read them, but they exist here in the states.

Travised
December 12, 2007 5:04 p.m.

Airlines do NOT insure electronics (camera's, computers..) or items of value (jewelry, rare or antiques). There is a max cap of $500 per passenger if I recall. So those gucci's or Coach will rack up the replacement ceiling fast. Be VERY careful if you are traveling with items that could break in the belly.

For any items such as video or camera's, computers, GPS... Have that in your carryon, and make sure it's max size hardshell. Or the size you see fit. However by going max size you have extra room. You can stuff a jacket and a few sets of clothing in there as well (meds!)

I'm stunned they are even going after this case. Electronics (luggage lost or damaged) are NOT covered. So the airline is in the clear. Explaining how it was broken into is a different story.

Travised
December 12, 2007 4:57 p.m.

sunburnmenot,

Remember that next time you hold up the line because you can't get it to fit in the overhead bin.