Kiwi travellers fear planting of drugs

As Kiwis pack their bags to go on holiday or for business, their biggest fear is having their luggage tampered with.

The issue is not so much having something stolen but having unwanted items such as drugs or prohibited goods put into their suitcases.

A survey conducted by ProLuggage to gauge travel and security habits showed more than three quarters of Kiwi travellers fear having drugs placed in their suitcase. In comparison, only 23% were concerned about theft.

Russell Fisk, Managing Director of ProLuggage who distribute French luggage Delsey, said it was more important to people that they be protected against items being placed in their bags rather than losing something out of it.

“Twenty years ago your only worry was having a camera or jewellery stolen out of your bag but now with prolific international drug trafficking, having illegal goods planted in luggage has struck fear into the hearts of Kiwi travellers. The Schapelle Corby case made everyone stop and think about unknowingly being the recipient of drugs,” says Mr Fisk.

60 per cent of respondents do not feel their luggage is safe from theft or planting once it has left their possession and one in ten reported that their luggage had been interfered with at some point during their travels. Over half those surveyed suspected baggage handlers in airports to be the major culprits.

Paul Yeo, CEO of TAANZ (Travel Agents Association New Zealand) says given we are a nation that travel so frequently both domestic and internationally that we should certainly take note of the importance of securing luggage and remaining alert in airports and terminals.

“Travellers face a high level of risk when it comes to theft and trafficking. We encourage people to be aware of what is going on around them and to take all necessary security precautions,” says Yeo.

Just over 70% of travellers secure their luggage, most commonly with a padlock or combination lock but Mr Fisk says this is almost a complete waste of time and gives a false sense of security.

“Travellers mistakenly believe a padlocked zip will prevent their bags being tampered with but a zip is the easiest point of entry, even when your luggage is locked. Anyone, armed with a pen can gain access to the contents of a suitcase in two seconds. Pushing a pen through the zip’s teeth will spread it open and you can take out or put in whatever and re-zip the case removing all evidence of entry.”

Delsey has launched a world first anti-theft zip technology which keeps unwanted hands out of bags. Delsey’s Zip Securi Tech is a robust double zip that offers very high resistance against theft or planting.

For more information on Delsey Luggage and Zip Securi Tech visit www.delsey.com
ENDS