In-flight theft is on the rise at Los Angeles International Airport. There have been several reported cases of passengers breaking into other people's carry-on bag and stealing their property right in the middle on flights.
There have been 130 reports of theft on flights since 2011. These reports include thefts that occurred during the flight or right after the plane landed.
Virginia Blumenthal of Riverside, California spoke to CBS Los Angeles about becoming a victim of an in-flight theft. She said it was something she never could have imagined happening.
"I did not know what I was doing with my carry-on," she said.
The 65-year-old criminal defense attorney was on a flight from LAX to Buenos Aires last year when she found out that someone had broken into her bag. She didn't find out until the flight landed.
"I got my carry-on luggage out and the lady across the aisle said to me, 'Is that your carry-on?' I said, 'Yes, why?' She said, 'Because a man, when you went to the restroom, took it out and took some things out of it," Blumenthal recalled.
The thief took her jewelry, a camera and an iPad, Blumenthal said. She reported the theft to police but they were never able to recover the items.
Blumenthal now takes precautions when traveling and keeps her valuables with her in order to avoid becoming the victim of an in-flight theft again.
"I now carry any valuables, passport, money, jewelry, in my purse...that I keep directly under my seat and I take it to the restroom with me," said Blumenthal.
This isn't the only case of in-flight theft recently. Earlier this month, dozens of airport baggage handlers were arrested after they were caught stealing from people's luggage on video. They stole the items while in the baggage hold of the aircraft.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
