Sussex Police Charge Man in Gatwick Airport Luggage Theft
A man has been formally charged in connection with the theft of luggage from London Gatwick Airport, according to an official statement from Sussex Police. The incident occurred at the airport's South Terminal on 30 October at approximately 6pm.
Details of the Alleged Offence
The suspect, identified as John Brooks, 52, of Crawley, West Sussex, is accused of stealing luggage and has also been charged with criminal damage. Police reported that the stolen luggage was taken from the terminal's Zone A area. Authorities tracked a suspect seen leaving via the Southern Walkway and Ring Road, heading in the direction of the B2036 Balcombe Road.
A spokesman for Sussex Police confirmed that an appeal was issued to identify a person of interest. "We can confirm officers arrested a man following this appeal," the spokesman stated, adding that "A man has been identified and charged as part of a police investigation into the theft of luggage from London Gatwick Airport."
Court Proceedings and Airport Context
John Brooks is scheduled to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on 25 November to face the charges. The airport where the incident took place, Gatwick Airport, holds significant status in UK aviation. It was opened as a commercial airport by Queen Elizabeth II in 1958 and served a remarkable 43.2 million passengers in 2024, maintaining its position as the busiest single-runway airport in Europe.
