Parking

Before you leave your home, remove all your valuables from your automobile.  This includes computers, cell phones, radar detectors, compact discs, or any items that would tempt someone to break into your automobile.  If this is not possible, these items should be placed in the trunk for security.

Always take your parking lot ticket with you.  Leaving it in the car allows a thief to exit the lot without being challenged by the parking lot cashier

Always close   windows, lock your car, and take your keys with you.

Ground Transportation

Use only recognized ground transportation services. If someone should offer you transportation at a reduced fare, it may be an invitation to trouble. Solicitation of any type is illegal at Lambert. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you rent a car, never leave the rental contract in the car. It has valuable information, such as your credit card number, printed on it. Care for your rental car contract as you would any other valuable document.

When returning a rental car, be sure to remove all of your property. Return the car only to your rental car service, and relinquish the keys only to a uniformed car rental agent.

Pickpockets and Distraction Theft

Pickpockets usually work in pairs or groups. In pairs, one distracts you by crowding or jostling, while the other lifts your wallet or other belongings. Distraction Thieves, who also work in pairs and groups, will divert your attention from your valuables and property while being stolen. They have been known to throw money on the floor, knock items out of your hands, and soil your clothes then offer to help you clean up. During this time, someone else is stealing your valuables. If this occurs, notify the Police immediately. Here are some tips that will reduce your chances of being victimized.

If you carry your wallet in your hip pocket, wrap a rubber band around it so that it will be difficult to remove. You can also insert a comb in your wallet with the teeth facing upward.

When traveling, always arrive at the airport early. You are most vulnerable to theft when you are rushed.

Beware of crowded areas where there is a lot of physical contact. Pickpockets work best in these areas.

Phone numbers and other frequently referenced information, should be kept in a separate case or holder which will reduce the chances of you leaving your wallet behind.

Never leave your property unattended, even when using the restroom. Keep your property within your sight and control at all times.

When leaving an area, always check to make sure you have all of your belongings.

Luggage

Never leave your luggage unattended, not even for a brief moment. Unattended luggage is a violation of Aviation Security rules, which will result in the Police being summoned. It is also an invitation to theft. In either case, your property may not be where you left it, when you return.

Never pack essential medication in your checked luggage. Always carry it with you or in your carry on bag.

Never leave valuables like cash or jewelry in your luggage. They can be easily removed.

Remove all old flight tags from your luggage. They can cause confusion and misdirection of your luggage.

Use Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.) approved locks on your luggage. This allows the T.S.A. to access your luggage for inspection, and allows it to be locked at all other times.

For added protection, place your name, current address, and phone number on the outside and inside of all luggage. A strap can also be placed around the outside of luggage.

Lodging

Use the safe in your hotel or motel to protect your valuables.

Always double lock your room door when inside the room.

Be careful of idle conversation which might give a thief an opportunity to steal from you by knowing your dinner plans or appointment schedule.

Before checking out of your hotel, check your room to make sure you have all of your belongings.

Weapons

The carrying and transportation of weapons are regulated by state and federal laws. Travelers wishing to transport weapons should check with their airline before bringing the weapon to the airport. Due to the increase in security awareness, any and all comments relating to bombs and weapons will be taken seriously, even if it is done in a joking manner.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES, OR FLAMMABLE MATERIALS PERMITTED ON THE CONCOURSES.

Contact Information

The St. Louis Airport Police Department maintains a lost and found section.  Inquiries may be made Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Central Time, at (314) 426-8126.

Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also keep found items.  It is recommended that passengers with lost items contact the respective airline and the TSA for further inquiries regarding lost items.