rachelk

I'd like to think I don't have a criminal mind but if I did and I was working in baggage handling area and wanted to have a rake through a few suitcases and see if anything was worth taking I'd pick the ones without locks.

Pulaski

Why? Tiny suitcase padlocks are weak and if you can break then in a couple of seconds (which you can) you are IMO more likely to find something valuable to steal in a case secured by a lock.

Or are you the sort of person who is just interested in stealing underwear?

rachelk

Which, along with the OP's sorry tale, would suggest that putting a lock on your suitcase is just inviting trouble, especially if you really are carrying something valuable.

Pulaski

Yes, agreed, as said above, more than once I think, (1) padlocks attract attention (2) they are weak and in effective as locks and (3) putting anything valuable in a suitcase, whether locked or not, to be loaded on a plane is stupid.

Loco Pedro

The point of my complaint is that I don't know why they were removed, or by whom or for what possible reason.
The fact is that everybody concerned - 3 different bodies (EasyJet, Damaged Luggage, & some "other" luggage) - have all tried to wash their hands of the problem and deny responsibility for the last 5 weeks.
I should not have to try to work out who removed them or why.
SOMEBODY should be able to tell ME the probable reason / guilty party and take responsibility, or at least advise against the use of locks because of A, B, C.


Its too easy to just sit back and take this kind of crap, thus accepting the status quo and not attempting to improve the situation for everybody.
That's not the way I choose to live.


OK, I may be beating my head against a brick wall but if I can make someone take a little more interest in the problem and tighten up procedures/increase penalties if caught (we assume ground staff thievery), then I will feel that I have achieved something.


The reason for my post was to discover how prevalent this problem is.
So thank you for all your replies detailing other instances of lock removal - they have at least made me realise that we have been very lucky for a very long time !


When I receive a final reply from Gatwick's investigation, I'll post it for all to see.

Garbatellamike

Very best of luck with that - let us know how you get on

tebo53

I always use those tiny suitcase locks just so the case zips stay shut. It would be ridiculous to think that they would act as a deterrent against theft.

Pulaski

We use zip ties for the same purpose - they hold the case zip closed and act as an indicator that someone has opened the case - so they're a minor deterrent to the casual thief. Our cases have never been opened in transit.

billgates

Any suitcase with a zip can be opened with only a ball point pen, then resealed as if no-one has been into it. I've tried it on my own case and it's very quick and easy. It's completely pointless having a lock on a zippered suitcase.

OTA63

I would agree with Pulaski on this. Why put anything valuable in your suitcase? If it's too large to keep in your hand luggage don't take it!!