Airport suitcase thief arrested while preparing to go to Vietnam

On January 2, Chinese tourist Cai Zhe reported the loss of his suitcase to police at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

Police used security cameras to see a tall man, about 50 years old, wearing a yellow T-shirt and jeans, walking suspiciously around the luggage carousel. He took the Chinese tourist's suitcase, left the airport and got into a taxi. The suspect was identified as Patrick Coulier, 57 years old, a Belgian national.

Patrick Coulier was arrested by authorities on the evening of January 16 when he returned to the airport to travel to Vietnam.

According toChiangraitimesPatrick Coulier confessed to stealing luggage 27 times at airports in many countries around the world without being caught. The target was usually ordinary, not too expensive suitcases so as not to attract the attention of the authorities.

Thai police revealed that Cai Zhe's suitcase contained two jade statues worth £1,560, a Gucci belt worth £414 and a number of clothes. The total value was £2,512.

Avoid becoming a victim of luggage theft,Forbesadvise visitors the following notes when sending luggage:

- You should carry hand luggage as soon as possible, doing so will both speed up the trip and save on checked baggage fees. You should not put valuables of economic or spiritual value in your luggage if you have to check it.

- Do not use suitcases with a prominent appearance because luxury suitcases are easy to spot for thieves. If necessary, create a distinctive sign (such as tying a colored cloth ribbon or stuffed animal around the handle) to make it easier for the owner to recognize and avoid being "claimed" by thieves.

- Take photos of all assets in checked baggage, keep payment receipts for items of high value (for example, over 100 USD) to prove ownership when needed.