Floro M. Mercene By Floro Mercene   There are two kinds of thievery going on in the airline industry-cargo theft and mid-air theft. These are worldwide problems impacting on the industry that is growing fast due to the rise in income of the middle class and the proliferation of low-cost airlines. As more people take to the sky, the incidents of cargo theft and mid-air theft are reportedly growing and came to the airport authority’s attention only when a Balikbayan posted his sad experience on Facebook. The site of vandalized zippers and empty suitcases has so angered FB followers that close to 80,000 reacted negatively. The consequence is that the biggest aviation service provider in the country Miascor, has just been ordered by the airport big boss to terminate its service three months from now. The case is on appeal, considering that 4,000 employees would be affected, not to mention the impact on some 40 air carriers Miascor serves, including flag carrier Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Cargo theft means employees are taking advantage of having access to pieces of luggage and rummage them for cash or jewelry. Mid-air theft or in-flight theft refers to the stealing of passengers’ cash and belongings right inside the plane. These are committed by fellow passengers and also by crew members. What are the local authorities doing to prevent this kind of misdemeanor that has gone unchecked because offenders get away after spending a few days in jail or simply posting a bond? Surely, closing down a multi-million-peso company is not the solution. Even the employees of the remaining ground-service providers would still be tempted to ransack a bulging suitcase or a flimsy Balikbayan box given the opportunity. For a start, the airport authorities have ordered that employees who handle cargo should have no pockets or loose boots where to hide the loot. They are also directed to wear body-cameras so that their movements would be closely monitored. The best solution that is also being imposed is to frisk all employees shortly after calling it a day. Mid-air or in-flight theft happens often but is not readily reported because of the hassle of being left behind at the airport.