Watch you Passport at the Airport

[carolegif]

A friend of my daughter's went on a trip with some friends from Luton Airport a week or so ago. When one of the friends got to the Boarding Gate her passport was missing, so they called security who said that it was the 10th one that morning to go missing and that a gang were targeting people. No money was taken, neither was her Boarding Pass.

They target people on early morning flights who may not be as alert as later in the day. It is to do with Identity Fraud and illegal immigrants.

My first question would be - what is the security at Luton airport like if they know people are walking round stealing passports? where is the CCTV footage?

[carolegif]

Sorry meant your passport!

[VHG]

I would have thought it was common sense to watch your passport at an airport as it is such a vital piece of documentation.

I have one of those "neck wallets" and keep my passport in there.

When I have finished showing it to someone at the airport I put it straight back in my neck wallet, no chance of it being stolen there.

[KARL]

I have a friend who when travelling abroad had her passport and funds in a neck wallet. In a crowd, the wallet disappeared with all its contents although the passport was later dumped and found. The strap was slit and the then it is a simple matter of lifting the wallet away. Neck wallets are not completely reliable.

[spudqueen]

I use a bag that goes over my body, not just on one shoulder, with the flap facing inwards. I always have my passport in a zipped compartment in there, except when I need it of course, and then I keep a very firm grip on it. When I pass through security I always carry it in my hand.

[merciasounds]

I think there should be big notices up teling peole to be aware of this. Also it wouldn't be a bad idea for security to question people who have been hanging around the airport lounges for hours on end - if they can't give a name and flight of the person they're 'waiting for' then they should be thrown out.

[luco1110]

before i travel with passport
i print a copy of it
solves a problem

[atalanta]

The thieves wil love it if you put up warning notices. These notices make people pat the pocket or check the bag where the passport is kept, so the thieves immediately know where to grab for it.

[boxtops]

agree atalanta - we came across this in Spain where some pickpockets were working, the patting and checking is a dead giveaway of where your valuables are lurking.

[jno]

as well as printing a copy of it, scan the relevant pages and email them to yourself, so you have access to the details anywhere even if the passport itself is lost.

[boxtops]

That's a good idea, jno.