Chief: 25 could be detained in airport bag thefts

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police say as many as 25 baggage handlers at Los Angeles International Airport could be detained by the end of an investigation into the theft of thousands of dollars in valuables from luggage.

Airport police Chief Pat Gannon told the Los Angeles Times on Thursday that the probe began when police noticed a surge in thefts from two terminals.

Gannon says it led to the discovery of rampant thefts in which baggage handlers would quickly rifle bags in a secure area and pocket jewelry, electronics and any other valuables.

The chief says there was no evidence of a major organized ring.

Six people have been arrested so far after police served dozens of search warrants on Wednesday night.