Baggage theft claims being taken 'very seriously'

International ground handling company Servisair said today it was taking "very seriously" allegations of theft from passengers' baggage at Dublin airport following the confirmed arrest of a company employee.

Gardaí said earlier that one man had been arrested after a probe into alleged theft from luggage by staff at the airport.

Servisair is understood to have launched an internal investigation after claims that workers had stolen from passenger baggage.

A spokesman for the firm confirmed that an employee had been suspended and arrested on July 24 as part of the ongoing inquiry.

“Servisair takes such incidents very seriously and continues to work in conjunction with the Gardaí and Customs to ensure that any such incidents are investigated thoroughly,” he said.

“We want to be absolutely sure that there aren’t any other staff involved.”

Gardaí said the man was arrested in relation to one incident of theft and a file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Servisair, which operates worldwide, also provides ground handling services in Cork, Shannon and Belfast airports.

Its customers include Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Air France.

Dublin Airport Authority said that while baggage handling was the sole responsibility of the airline or handling agent, the airport was aware of the investigation.

“Obviously we would be concerned if such activity was going on,” a spokeswoman for the authority added.