AirTag catches baggage handler at airport stealing baggage


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apples AirTag helped police arrest a baggage handler who stole passenger baggage at an airport, as well as recover more than $15,000 worth of jewelry and other items.

On August 11, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office revealed it had launched an investigation into suspicious activity at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach airport. The sheriff’s airport security unit was alerted to thefts related to stolen luggage handled by an employee.

Airline subcontractor Giovanni De Luca faces two counts of grand theft, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The investigation began in July after a traveler discovered that her luggage had not arrived at her destination. The luggage, containing items worth more than $1,600, was missing in transit.

Since the traveler had an AirTag in her suitcase, she had a travelogue and that it was last active in the Kathy Court area in Mary Esther. The police referred to employees who lived in the area and discovered De Luca.

After meeting De Luca at his home, the suspect admitted to searching the passenger’s suitcase for items and removing the AirTag.

Although the items from the AirTag owner’s briefcase could not be recovered by investigators, they were able to retrieve items from another stolen briefcase. Another traveler reported losing jewelry and other items worth more than $15,000 on August 9.

“This arrest is an example of excellent teamwork by our Airport Security unit, our investigators and the airport to find the person responsible for these thefts and ensure they are held accountable,” said Sheriff Eric Aden.

While AirTag has caught up in some cases unsavory activities, the accessory is intended as a force for good, helping people keep track of their belongings. This includes helping the police track down a stolen SUV in Memphis in July, and discovering the location of lost luggage within an airport.