TAOYUAN, Taiwan -- Several ground crew members at Taoyuan International Airport are being investigated for possible theft of passenger belongings, local media reported yesterday.

The Aviation Police Office (APO) began investigating alleged stealing from passenger baggage by Taoyuan airport ground workers after receiving a note from the ground crew at Okinawa's Naha Airport on Nov.18, saying that they suspected that a wallet recovered from an aircraft's cargo compartment was stolen in Taiwan.

After learning that the owner of the wallet lost JPY30,000, the APO reviewed surveillance footages and found three local airport ground crew involved in this scandal.

If the accusations are proven true, said the ground service company contracted by Taoyuan International Airport, the suspects will be dismissed immediately.

Police were further investigating this case, as they suspect more crew members were involved as of yesterday.

The APO reminded passengers to carry valuable items, including cell phones, digital cameras and laptop computers onto the plane, since the U.S. has banned the locking of baggage for anti-terrorism purposes and unintentionally given thieves opportunities.