More than 30 Phoenix police detectives are sifting through nearly 1,000 pieces of luggage stolen from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Arrested Monday, suspect Stacy Legg King, 38, posted bond has been released on bail while Keith King, 61, remains behind bars, his bond set at $25,000. Both were booked on burglary charges.
Phoenix police Sergeant Giogi Chiappo with the department’s Property Crimes Bureau described how the 14-room Waddell residence near Northern and 175th Avenues was piled floor to ceiling with suitcases along with clothing that had been stripped from the luggage. “The likelihood of matching everything we have at this point is very slim. Most of the luggage is similar; black with rollers and the personal identification was stripped from every piece.” Police have contacted a few victims that were identifiable. Chiappo explained that along with removing luggage IDs, Keith King even removed names and labels from personal pill vials taken from inside the luggage. “We believe he was very methodical and had been doing this for years.”
Police have discovered a laundry list of items in the residence that include a valuable stamp collection, passports, GPS systems, laptop computers, video games, adoption papers, cameras, and even a photo radar ticket. Twenty-five guns were also located inside the house along with locked safes and medical equipment.
Phoenix Police spokesperson, Detective James Holmes offered these tips to travelers, “When you get off the plane, go directly to baggage claim to get your luggage. Hide some identification inside each piece of luggage that includes your name and phone number. If you have valuables like jewelry or other items, put them in a carry-on bag.” Holmes and Chiappo again urged citizens who may be victims of these crimes to call Phoenix police at (602) 495-7808.