Woman warns of baggage theft at Adelaide Airport arrivals

A woman flying into Adelaide with her family and seven-week-old baby is warning others after a spate of carousel thefts – including their checked-in luggage.

Airport travellers are being warned about opportunistic thieves stealing checked baggage from luggage carousels in Adelaide.

South Australia police are investigating two reported incidents while another case was reported to airline staff after thieves struck on Friday afternoon.

A woman told The Advertiser she and her husband and baby had just touched down in Adelaide from a Virgin flight for a wedding.

The family – including a seven-week-old baby – arrived in Adelaide on Friday afternoon and quickly stopped off to change the child after the flight.

“When we got to the baggage carousel, my husband’s bag was not there,” she said.

The bag was scanned through the carousel so it wasn’t left behind from the departure port and had made it off the plane in Adelaide.

The woman said while she was reporting it to Virgin staff, three more people approached the counter and said their bags were missing.

“About 30 minutes later we received a notification that our credit card was being used at a vape and tobacco shop in Glenelg – therefore confirming the bag being stolen,” the woman said.

“Because we wanted to get through security quickly, my husband put his wallet, keys and devices in his luggage and checked it in.

“Not the welcome visitors need when arriving in Adelaide.”

Police are investigating two reports of baggage theft from Friday afternoon, but no one has yet been charged.

An Adelaide Airport spokesman said it was working with police as part of the investigations.

“Adelaide Airport is supporting SA Police with their investigations into the alleged theft of luggage from baggage reclaim, which includes assisting with the review of CCTV footage,” he said.

“There are some simple steps travellers can take to help identify and secure their luggage.

“We recommend the use of luggage tags with your name and contact details.

“Also consider the use of a good quality travel lock on your bags, and install a luggage tracking device such as an AirTag or SmartTag.”