Baggage handlers stealing luggage at Vancouver airport, RCMP says

Theft of passenger luggage by baggage handlers at Vancouver International Airport has become a significant problem, according to an internal RCMP report.

"Several airlines have noted significant problems with theft from passenger luggage prior to its arrival at the luggage carousel," reads the 2004 report, which was obtained by the Vancouver Sun.

The report , characterized as a "strategic threat assessment," was prepared by the RCMP's criminal-analysis section and issued in 2004.

It said the thefts have resulted in arrests and a number of employee terminations.

But one RCMP officer in Richmond, where the airport is located, disputes the characterization of the problem.

"It's a problem we are aware of," said Richmond RCMP spokesman Cpl. Peter Thiessen. "Is it significant? I wouldn't say significant."

Saying he knows of only two or three cases in recent years, he said most of the luggage theft at the airport takes place after it hits the baggage carousel for pick up.