PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

November 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://slcpd.com/mediarequest/

SLCPD Seeks Tips on Airport Baggage Theft

SALT LAKE CITY — Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Airport Division are trying to identify and locate a man who stole a piece of luggage from the Salt Lake City International Airport.

This investigation started at 5:14 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, when a man called SLC911 to report a piece of luggage had been stolen from baggage claim.

During the investigation, officers found video from 1:46 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2023, showing an unknown man watching bags on the baggage carousel. The man watches the hard-cased piece of luggage for a few seconds before taking the item and quickly leaving the airport terminal.

The piece of luggage contained an unloaded firearm.

Officers determined the man got onto a Utah Transit Authority (UTA) TRAX train and left the airport.

Although luggage theft from the airport can occur, generally it is rare due to the collaborative work between SLCPD Airport officers and Salt Lake City International Airport Operations.

The best way to prevent luggage theft is to ensure your bags are never left unattended. Recognizing that flying with carry-on bags is not always feasible, the Salt Lake City Police Department is providing the following tips to avoid luggage theft:

• Place irreplaceable or high value items in your carry-on baggage (Note: Passengers must know which items are required to be checked or prohibited from being checked or brought onto an aircraft.)
• Reconsider purchasing luxury-branded luggage as this could be an allure to potential thieves.
• Make your checked luggage distinctive using stickers, tape, ribbon or consider purchasing a brightly colored suitcase.
• Keep a record of what you pack and take a photo of your belongings and your luggage. Photos can be helpful during a police investigation and for insurance purposes.
• After landing, avoid unnecessary delays and head to the baggage pick-up area immediately so your bag is not left unattended when on the baggage carousel.
• Ensure your bag is clearly labeled with your contact information. For privacy reasons, an address is not necessary, but a name and phone number should be included.
• If you believe someone has stolen your luggage, be sure to file a police report and file reports with the airline and TSA.
•  Report anything suspicious to an airport/airline official or airport police.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Airport Division continues to conduct proactive operations to curb luggage theft from SLCIA. Officers and detectives work closely with airline and airport staff to ensure the security of passenger luggage.

Anyone with information about this theft should contact the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3000 and reference case 23-267008.

Two photos of the man are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Photo: Salt Lake City Police released a photo a man wanted for stealing a white, hard-sided piece of luggage from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLCPD Photo, Released: Nov. 28, 2023)

Photo: Salt Lake City Police released a photo a man wanted for stealing a white, hard-sided piece of luggage from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLCPD Photo, Released: Nov. 28, 2023)

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