Gatwick airport security guard 'stole from passenger bags'

28.11.05

A security guard at Gatwick airport stole laptop computers and other electrical goods from passengers suitcases, a court heard last week. Jose Magalhaes is accused of stealing the property from luggage as it passed through security X-ray machines, after an undercover sting.

Lewes Crown Court heard how the undercover operation was launched after passengers made complaints to Gatwick airport staff about property going missing from their bags. During the operation Magalhaes was filmed by covert cameras taking items from passengers luggage.

John Marsden-Lynch, prosecuting, told a jury that the passengers belongings were later found at Magalhaes home when it was searched by the Police.

Magalhaes denies 7 counts of theft between March 1 and March 21 2003. The items allegedly stolen included 5 laptop computers, a mobile phone, 12 CDs and a video camera. The trial continues.

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