Heathrow Handler Nicked £29,000 in Bling and Bags
A Heathrow baggage handler has been slapped with a suspended sentence after pinching jewellery, designer handbags, and other valuables worth a whopping £29,000.
Priti Sthankiya Caught Red-Handed on CCTV
Priti Sthankiya, 46, from Wembley, admitted rifling through a forgotten bag at the baggage collection point. Her haul included jewellery, watches, makeup, designer handbags, a £500 purse, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a diamond ring valued at £3,000.
After eight years working near the tarmac, Sthankiya was caught on CCTV wheeling the abandoned bag into a secure area before rifling through it. Most of the items were later found at her home or in her locker. But some, including the purse, sunglasses, and diamond ring, remain missing.
Stress and Divorce Blamed for Theft
Sthankiya, who worked for a baggage handling firm and not Heathrow Airport directly, was fired after the scandal broke.
In court, her lawyer Jonathan Whitley explained the theft was a “momentary lapse” caused by “overwhelming stress” linked to a bitter divorce.
“This was an impulsive act driven by personal turmoil,” said Whitley. He urged the judge to hand down a suspended sentence given Sthankiya’s remorse and clean record.
Judge Gives Suspended Sentence
At the Old Bailey, Judge Ian Shern KC sentenced Sthankiya to one year behind bars – but suspended for the same period, giving her a chance to avoid jail if she keeps out of trouble.
The theft has left many shaken, highlighting security vulnerabilities even in tightly controlled airport zones.
