How Hongkongers can stop thieves stealing their valuables while flying

Hong Kong police recorded a 164 per cent rise in the number of thefts on flights into the city in the first eight months of the year, with one case involving a passenger losing a watch valued at HK$4.16 million (US$535,320).

Passengers reported 132 cases of items being stolen on board passenger jets between January and August this year, compared with 50 cases in the same period in 2023.

The Post asked experts how to keep belongings safe and have peace of mind when flying.

1. What should I do before I board?

Steve Vickers, the CEO of international political and corporate risk consultancy Steve Vickers and Associates, said passengers should select a good quality bag and lock.

“You need a bag that is lockable and hard to get into in a hurry,” he said.

Vickers added passengers should consider limiting the number of valuables they took on trips.

Passengers can also prepare their carry-on luggage ahead of their travels, according to advice from the Canadian government.