Cell phone mystery

While there has been some correspondence of late regarding the service of Garuda, both from the aspect of service and security of baggage in your paper, one area that desperately needs investigation is that of security from theft within the airport building. The following incident, which resulted in the theft of my mobile phone, will perhaps illustrate my point.

On entering the departure area, one is subjected to baggage X- ray and you have to pass through the metal detector where you are asked to put your mobile phone on an adjacent table while you pass through the portal. This I duly did and after being distracted momentarily and on turning to retrieve the phone it was gone. Although approximately six people manned the area, nobody claimed to have seen anything. Apparently it grew wings and flew away by itself.

On relating this incident to a number of associates, it would appear that this is not an isolated incident and I can now unfortunately add my name to a growing list of victims.

Experience is the best teacher and I would suggest to fellow travelers that it is safer to put your phone into your carry-on baggage and let it go through the X-ray machine -- it will save you some considerable risk.

PETER J. STANDISH

Jakarta