Baggage handlers and cleaners sacked in Auckland airport sting

Baggage handlers and cleaners at Auckland International Airport have been sacked for stealing from passenger luggage - and enjoying the perks of flying first class without leaving the ground.

The rule-breaking has left six out of a job, and another 20 with written warnings for breaching company and quarantine rules. Another three workers resigned.

The airport staff, employed by Menzies Aviation, were discovered during an undercover sting that saw hidden cameras used to spy on staff.

Menzies Aviation handles baggage and cleaning for Cathay Pacific, Royal Brunei, Emirates and Garuda flights at Auckland International Airport.

It is the second time the company has used undercover investigators to reveal misbehaviour and criminal activity at the airport.

In 2003, five baggage handlers running an organised theft ring were arrested.

This time, the company uncovered:

* five staff involved in thefts on the passenger luggage loading ramp;
* four cleaners stealing first-class travel kits for the lotions and moisturisers;
* another 20 dining out on leftover business-class meals, a breach of company and quarantine regulations.

A statement from the London headquarters of Menzies Aviation said one of the five baggage handlers involved in thefts was arrested for stealing a passenger's MP3 player and a collection of key rings.

Police told the Herald on Sunday a DVD recorder had also been stolen.

The baggage handler was fired, along with four other baggage handlers who knew of the thefts and helped cover them up.

The four were found to have the same stolen keyrings over which their former colleague had been charged.

John Geddes, corporate affairs manager for Menzies Aviation, said the company wouldn't tolerate any dishonesty. "If they are prepared to do that, we can't take the risk."

He said the investigation into the baggage handling area led the company to probe the cleaners, who are responsible for preparing the planes for their outgoing flights.

"The cleaners... are told as part of their training they are not allowed to take anything. Some of the cleaners have been helping themselves."

He said one cleaner had been fired and three more had resigned. He believed about 20 had been disciplined and given final warnings for breaching Menzies Aviation's internal policies.

Geddes said the cleaners were found to have lapped up first-class and business-class perks.

Some had taken the care kits left in first class, which include items from the exclusive Molton Brown toiletry range.

Mark Everitt, head of Aviation Security, the government agency charged with protecting air travel, said the thefts did not pose a threat to travellers.

He said the agency had been involved at the outset of the undercover probe by providing equipment, and had been briefed throughout.