Apple’s AirTag helped police arrest a baggage handler who stole luggage from passengers at an airport, as well as recover more than $15,000 in jewelry and other items. On August 11, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that it had conducted an investigation into suspicious activity at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. The sheriff’s Airport Security Unit was notified of thefts involving stolen baggage handled by an employee. Airline subcontractor Giovanni De Luca faces two counts of grand theft, the Sheriff’s Office says. The investigation began in July after a traveler discovered her luggage had not arrived at its destination. The luggage, which contained more than $1,600 worth of items, was lost in transit. As the traveler had placed an AirTag on her suitcase, she had a record of his travels and that he was last active in the area of Kathy Court in Mary Esther. Police interviewed employees who lived in the area and discovered De Luca. After meeting De Luca at his home, the suspect admitted to searching the passenger’s suitcase for items and removing the AirTag. While the items taken from the AirTag owner’s suitcase could not be recovered by investigators, they were able to recover items from another stolen suitcase. Another traveler reported losing more than $15,000 worth of jewelry and other items on Aug. 9. “This arrest is an example of great teamwork by the Airport Security unit, our investigators and the airport to find the person responsible for these thefts and make sure he is held accountable,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. While the AirTag has been caught up in some unsavory activities, the accessory is meant to be a force for good, helping people keep track of their stuff. This includes helping police locate a stolen SUV in Memphis in July and discovering the location of lost luggage inside an airport.
