The sneaky way airport thieves are stealing from you

With all the security, you'd think airports would be free from criminal activity. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Thieves are reportedly booking cheap seats on flights so they can purposely target trays with valuable possessions during security scans.

As tiresome travellers load up security trays with their belongings and prepare to walk through the body scanner, career criminals raid the trays for expensive makeup, money, perfume and electronics, including laptops and cameras.

READ: What to do when your check-in luggage is damaged

A security guard who has worked at one of London's major airports for the past 10 years explained that this is a common occurrence and in most cases, the culprits tend to be middle-aged men who work in groups.

"They prey on passengers in the early morning, when people are half-asleep, or at peak times when they’re stressed, and target families who are likely to be distracted by children," the anonymous security guard told the Daily Mail.

He's even witnessed thieves steal a widow's bag which contained her husband's ashes.

READ: The dirtiest place in the airport is not where you think

What should you do if your belongings have been stolen?

Most of the time, there is no set protocol. Some airports call the police, while others don’t. Large airports can access CCTV footage and typically will have the passenger identify their missing items.

However, part of the problem – with flights to catch – is the lack of time.

To avoid thieves targeting you, place your belongings in the tray and bags on the x-ray belt just as you walk through the body scanner. Try to keep an eye on them always, and be alert.