Some years back, while flying on a flight, I met this guy who was always talking about the lack of security near baggage claim areas. He claimed that since the area was unsecured, anyone can walk in there and steal a bag from the carousal. I never took it seriously until I found out that an Arizona couple stole 1000+ bags.

Three weeks back Keith Wilson King, 61,was noticed by an officer picking up a random bag at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport. He was given a citation but then he returned back. He was arrested and a search at his home found 1000+ bags with identification tags, the owners' names erased from the bag. 

Keith Wilson and his wife, Stacy Lynne Legg-King, 38, were arrested Monday, and each was booked into jail on charges of theft of property and possession of stolen property.

Detectives uncovered nearly 1,000 pieces of stolen luggage Tuesday while serving a search warrant at a home in the northwest Valley, linking the items to Keith King, who's accused of plucking the bags off airport

baggage carousels. Police officers arrested King three weeks ago at the airport after an officer noticed him grabbing a random bag off one of the carousels. He was given a misdemeanor-theft citation and released, though police said he returned to the airport days later.

King, 61, was shown on a surveillance video parking in an airport garage and walking to the baggage-claim area to steal luggage, said Officer James Holmes, a Phoenix police spokesman.

King and his wife, Stacy Legg King, 38, were arrested Monday at their home near Northern and 175th avenues. They were booked on suspicion of theft and possession of stolen property - leaving detectives to try and track the missing items, which could include electronics and clothes, among other things.

Source: www.azcentral.com

Another reason, not to check in your bags. Also makes me wonder, why can't the airport have the baggage claims inside a secondary secure area?