Couple charged with luggage theft cuts deal to do community service

The Newton Grove couple charged with taking two bags in May from Raleigh-Durham International Airport struck a deal Monday in court that will eventually see their charges dismissed.

Posted 8:49 p.m. Aug 12, 2019 — Updated 10:02 p.m. Aug 12, 2019

Monica Laliberte

, WRAL executive producer/consumer reporter

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The Newton Grove couple charged with taking two bags in May from Raleigh-Durham International Airport struck a deal Monday in court that will eventually see their charges dismissed.

Airport police spotted Phillip Harris and his wife, Dawn, on surveillance video pulling a bag that did not belong to them off the belt. The owner of the bag, Kim Bagaasen, said investigators combined the video with social media and DMV records to identify the Harrises.

On Monday, Phillip and Dawn Harris entered what's called a deferred prosecution agreement. If they fulfill certain requirements – in this case, perform community service and stay out of trouble for a year – their charges will be dismissed.

Case of luggage stolen from RDU is a warning for travelers: Mind your bags

RDU handles 14 million bags each year, and a spokesman said that only 16 were stolen in the last 12 months.

But it's a big pain if it's your bag.

One way to help prevent that is to make your bag recognizable. Add a bold tag, bright ribbon or pom-pom, something that personalizes it. Beyond deterring thieves, it will help you locate your bag more quickly.

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