Thanks to an Apple AirTag, Florida authorities have arrested a suspected serial luggage thief.
Giovanni De Luca, 19, was arrested by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) after the department’s Airport Security Unit “became aware of suspicious activity” involving several items taken from the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.
Last week, Sheriff Eric Aden said in a Facebook post, “This arrest is an example of excellent teamwork by our Airport Security Unit, our Investigators, and the Airport to find the person responsible for these thefts and make sure he is held responsible.”
In July and August, OCSO reported two complaints involving stolen luggage containing nearly $17,000 worth of items and jewelry.
One of the travelers who reported missing her suitcase in July later notified authorities that her Apple AirTag had pinged in Mary Esther, Florida.
The items reported stolen in August were found at De Luca’s house after investigators had “consensual contact” with him and cross-referenced workers who lived nearby.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed that the suspect removed Apple AirTag from the other traveler’s bag. Her bags have not been recovered.
Luca is currently facing two counts of grand theft.
