Theft, the TSA, and Blind Faith

I had a similar experience with some cologne. The TSA agent read the label and claimed the amount was 0.5 oz over the allowed limit (despite me having used it several times and it almost certainly being within legal bounds) and said I would have to get my bag checked in. She made a remark about how expensive it probably was, zipped up my bag, and even escorted me to the bag check-in area. When I was passing through the scanners this time, that same women was nowhere to be seen.

I thought nothing of it at the time, but when I arrived at my destination, my cologne was gone. The agent had never returned it to the bag. What frustrated me the most was my inability to do anything about it.

[Spoiler Alert]

Wow, unexpected ending. Kudos to the person that returned it. I'd be curious to see some follow-up on this. If the buyer could describe the seller to the TSA, maybe they could identify him; after all there are only so many people working at one airport. This is, of course, assuming that the seller was the thief and not an accomplice.

This article keeps saying that the TSA stole the machine. That's possible, but why not any of the other people who have control of the luggage? Why not baggage handlers?

Also, there's a whole bunch of other searches turning up before you get "TSA Theft", and there's not much left that "TSA th" could be. "TSA Thatching"?

Checking a laptop in your luggage? Forget being stolen, it seems like a great way to get your laptop broken.

This is why I won't buy anything from Craigslist unless they have the original receipt. I keep all my receipts/warranty information for electronic devices just in case I need to sell it. The buyer also always has my name and address/phone number just in case issues arise. I ask for the buyer's driver's license as well when exchanging information. When traveling, always keep expensive items with you at all times with a carry-on bag. Always recheck your bag when searched to make sure the agent doesn't steal it. I am kind of baffled as to the shock the writer experienced when he had his item stolen. Unless you live in a country like Canada, where whole neighborhoods don't even lock their door, this unfortunately happens all the time in the states.