Man wanted for luggage thefts from PHL; police trying to identify owners
PHILADELPHIA - A traveler's worst nightmare became reality for many in Philadelphia after luggage was stolen from baggage claim, and now police are looking for a man they believe may have orchestrated the thefts.
Police say they recovered at least nine pieces of luggage from a home in West Philadelphia several months after an investigation began.
The luggage had been stolen from baggage claim at Philadelphia International Airport beginning in September.
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On Thursday, police issued an arrest warrant for 48-year-old Julius Cook for his role in the luggage theft spree.
FOX 29’s Shaynah Ferreira spoke to travelers at PHL Airport who were not surprised by the discovery.
"Obviously it’s not what you wanna get when you get home from a trip that your bags aren’t there and probably gone forever." said Lurie.
His wife echoed the same sentiment.
"It’s obviously very unfortunate for the folks going through that," said Norah Lurie. "I would be so upset for landing and looking forward to whatever I had in my bag and not being able to have it."
Philadelphia Police released a statement on the matter.
"PPD understands the frustration and inconvenience that stolen luggage can cause, and we are fully committed to reuniting passengers with their belongings."
Police are working to reunite passengers with their stolen belongings, and are asking anyone affected to reach out.
Anyone with information on Cook's whereabouts is also urged to contact police.