How baggage theft at Delhi IGI Airport was reduced by half this year

There has been a significant decrease in the number of baggage thefts reported at the Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport or IGI Airport this year, according to data released by the Delhi Police. The data shows a 48% decline in registration of such incidents compared to last year, Times of India reported. Between April and November, there was a 70% decrease in thefts compared to the same period last year. Interestingly, there were no reported thefts in April, August, and November of this year. Authorities are analyzing this data to identify any areas of concern and to further reduce the number of incidents.

150 missing, stolen, or lost articles were returned to their owners this year.

Devesh Mahla, DCP of the IGI Airport, highlighted the measures taken to address this issue. These include random checks on staff responsible for handling baggage, taking action against violations of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines, and forming five teams to conduct random inspections.


In addition, airlines were advised on their responsibilities and the legal consequences they may face. This year, 42 individuals have been arrested in connection with baggage theft cases, compared to 32 arrests last year.

Several cases of theft were registered throughout the year, including those involving two major gangs of loaders. The stolen items most commonly reported were cash, watches, jewelry, mobile phones, and air pods.

Officials familiar with the investigation said that loaders sometimes target passengers based on their profile or rely on their instincts. To increase surveillance security, the police have implemented various measures, including increased surveillance in the aircraft hold area and along the route of baggage TUGs (Trolley/Cart carrying passengers' baggage) through strategically placed CCTV cameras.

The higher management of airlines can also be held accountable for criminal breach of trust under Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) if found to be involved in these thefts. To assist passengers who have lost or had their belongings stolen, the IGI Airport is installing a dedicated counter called "May I help you".