SLCPD Arrest Woman as Part of Luggage Theft Investigation

SALT LAKE CITY — Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department Airport Division arrested a 40-year-old woman accused of stealing multiple pieces of luggage.

This investigation started at 6:53 p.m. on January 3, 2022, when SLCPD Airport Division Officers responded to a luggage theft from the Salt Lake City International Airport baggage claim area. The victim told officers the property stolen from her was valued at $6,000 and included multiple financial cards.

Through the investigation, detectives identified a woman involved in the theft as Leticia Herrera.

On January 26, 2022, with the assistance of partnering agencies, detectives located and safely took Herrera into custody in West Jordan. Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant and recovered seven pieces of stolen luggage.

Detectives transported Herrera to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and booked her on charges of Theft, Unlawful Possession of a Financial Card and three counts of Unlawful Use of a Financial Transaction Card.

The best way to prevent luggage theft is to ensure your bags are never left unattended. Recognizing that flying with carry-on bags is not always feasible, the Salt Lake City Police Department is providing flyers with the following tips to avoid luggage theft:

• Place irreplaceable or high value items in your carry-on baggage (Note: Passengers should know which items are required to be checked.)
• Reconsider purchasing luxury-branded luggage as this could be an allure to potential thieves.
• Make your checked luggage distinctive using stickers, tape, ribbon or consider purchasing a brightly colored suitcase.
• Keep a record of what you pack and take a photo of your belongings and your luggage. Photos can be helpful during a police investigation and for insurance purposes.
• After landing, avoid unnecessary delays and head to the baggage pick-up area immediately so your bag is not left unattended when on the baggage carousel.
• Ensure your bag is clearly labeled with your contact information. For privacy reasons, an address is not necessary, but a name and phone number should be included.
• If you believe someone has stolen your luggage, be sure to file a police report and file reports with the airline and TSA.
• Report anything suspicious to an airport/airline official or airport police.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A photo of some of the property recovered at the scene of the arrest is being released.

This case remains an ongoing investigation. No additional information can be released at this time.

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