Greetings fellow eBayers! I'd like to offer some tips for anyone who may travel frequently, even to the mall. There is a crime trend that has been around for a long, long time called distraction thefts. Although it's commonly known in the security world, and even to some civilians, I wanted to share some of these methods that are used by thieves, because I know that they take place!

It could happen as easily as putting your suitcase down on the foor next to you while waiting around at the airport. Someone will approach you and start talking to you, and may even use a raised, excited, or happy tone to ensure your full attention. His partner then comes from the side or behind you, and there goes your luggage. But of course, you'll realize in a few moments that it's gone, and when you report it, you'll remember that the last time you saw it was right before this stranger came up to you. When asked by authorities can you ID the person?, you say sure. If and when the person is caught, guess what, he's not the one who took it. What now?

If you consider this unlikely to happen to you, then think about this. This might seem like a simple "five finger discount" theft of an inexperienced spur-of-the-moment low-life or desperate person, but consider that most organized thieves specialize in just one or a few types of theft in a particular category, and stick with it. This makes them extremely good at it. Consider this too! There are local police, DEA, customs, airport security, and sometimes even a contracted security company all at the airport. Here's another one...top of the line surveillance camera's everywhere. Joy stick controlled Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera's that cost about $2,000.00 each, about $700.00 for the controller, that can zoom about 200 yards away and read a license plate on a car. But the thefts still occurr, everyday! 

 A distraction theft could happen with a security guard in the same area. If a quiet distraction theft was happening to you, how would the security guard know that anything was wrong unless you knew something was wrong! The attention of the guard would require you to draw attention to yourself. What if the guard saw a person take your bag, but you didn't? How would he know that the person is not your husband, wife or friend? Unless he was watching only you standing all by yourself for the past 5 or 10 minutes, he wouldn't! The best security guard is yourself. 

If someone you don't know approaches you abruptly in a public place, just look around briefly before you get wrapped up with this person. You never know what's happening or who's doing what around you at that moment.  Remember that just as you and I get up, get ready, and go to work in the morning everyday, that is exactly what these people do too. They have the same seriousness and dedication to their job as we do ours.

Thank you and be safe!

Bidrisen