Jail over airport luggage thefts

A security guard who stole valuables from luggage at Gatwick airport has been jailed for 17 months.

Emanuel Vasconcelos, 29, of Cuckfield Close, Crawley, stole Rolex watches, digital cameras, binoculars and coins from baggage at the North Terminal.

He admitted one count of theft and asked for 15 further offences spanning two years to be considered.

At Hove Crown Court, Judge Cedric Joseph said the thefts had been carried out in a "climate of dishonesty".

'Honesty required'

Jeffrey Lamb, defending, said Vasconcelos had rifled through bins for broken and fake watches thrown away after being stolen.

Vasconcelos had also bought a £1,000 laptop computer from someone who had stolen it from a suitcase, he said.

Judge Joseph said the travelling public were entitled to, and should be able to, rely on the honesty of staff entrusted with their belongings.

Vasconcelos had been employed as a baggage screener for Initial Aviation Security and was arrested in March.