How Did I Lose My Luggage While Breastfeeding?

A woman at Gatwick Airport has expressed her deep concerns over safety and design after her luggage was stolen while she was breastfeeding her child in a baby changing room. Kawtar Boudad Dupont, 31, experienced this distressing incident while travelling with her two daughters, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in airport facilities for families.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The incident occurred on Thursday, 26 October 2023, during the afternoon in the South Terminal's baby changing room. Ms Dupont was forced to leave her luggage outside due to the cramped space while she tended to her daughter. Upon returning just a few minutes later, she found her belongings missing. The theft included a suitcase containing vital personal items such as a memory card with a decade's worth of family photographs and important documents for her university application.

Gatwick Airport has confirmed that it is working closely with Sussex Police, who are currently investigating the theft. The airport stated that its baby changing facilities are designed to accommodate families travelling with luggage. However, Ms Dupont's experience has raised questions about the adequacy of these designs in ensuring traveller safety.

Key takeaways

Kawtar Boudad Dupont had her luggage stolen while breastfeeding at Gatwick Airport.
The baby changing room's small size forced her to leave her luggage unattended.
She lost irreplaceable family photographs and important documents in the theft.
Police have released a CCTV image of a suspect linked to the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about safety and design at the airport.

Timeline: how we got here

Below is a brief timeline of events related to this incident:

26 October 2023 (15:00 – 18:00 GMT): Kawtar Boudad Dupont travels to Gatwick Airport with her daughters and uses the baby changing room.
26 October 2023: Upon exiting, she discovers her luggage has been stolen.
27 October 2023: Sussex Police release a CCTV image of a potential suspect.
27 October 2023: Gatwick Airport issues a statement regarding the incident.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest developments include the release of CCTV footage by Sussex Police, which features a man wearing a distinctive bucket hat and orange coat, who may have information related to the theft. This proactive step aims to encourage witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

What was already established

Prior to this incident, Gatwick Airport maintained that its facilities are equipped to handle the needs of families. However, Ms Dupont's experience has cast doubt on the effectiveness of these provisions, particularly regarding safety and practicality for parents with young children.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The implications of this incident extend beyond Ms Dupont’s personal loss. It highlights broader concerns for families travelling through Gatwick Airport and potentially others in the UK. Parents may feel more anxious about leaving belongings unattended, especially in designated family areas, leading to increased stress during travel.

Businesses and jobs

Gatwick Airport, as a major transport hub, relies heavily on customer trust. Reports of theft and inadequate facilities could deter potential passengers, impacting the airport's reputation and, by extension, its business operations. This incident might prompt a review of safety protocols and support services for families travelling with children.

Policy and regulation

This incident may trigger discussions among airport authorities and policymakers regarding the adequacy of safety measures in public facilities. It raises questions about the regulatory standards for airport design, particularly in areas meant for vulnerable travellers, such as parents with infants.

Numbers that matter

10 years: Duration of irreplaceable family photographs lost in the theft.
2: The number of children Ms Dupont was travelling with at the time.
1: The number of formal complaints lodged by Ms Dupont with Gatwick Airport.
15:00 - 18:00 GMT: Timeframe during which the theft occurred.
1: CCTV image of the suspect released by Sussex Police.

Definitions and jargon buster

CCTV: Closed-Circuit Television, a system used for surveillance in public areas.
Baby changing room: A facility designed for parents to change and care for infants, often equipped with necessary amenities.
Sussex Police: The territorial police force responsible for law enforcement in Sussex, England.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, it is crucial for families travelling through Gatwick Airport to remain vigilant about their belongings. Increased awareness and caution can help mitigate the risk of theft.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the investigation unfolds, it will be important to monitor the responses from both Sussex Police and Gatwick Airport. Improvements to safety protocols may be implemented based on findings from this incident.

Signals to watch

Updates from Sussex Police regarding the investigation and any potential arrests.
Public statements from Gatwick Airport about changes to security measures or facility designs.
Feedback from other travellers regarding their experiences in baby changing rooms and family facilities at airports.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep valuables in a secure location, preferably on your person, when using baby changing facilities.
Report any suspicious activity to airport staff or police immediately.
Encourage other parents to be vigilant about their belongings.

Don’t

Do not leave bags unattended, even in designated family areas.
Avoid packing irreplaceable items in luggage that will be out of sight.
Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from airport staff if you feel unsafe.

Checklist

Verify that your luggage is secured before entering a baby changing room.
Ensure your mobile phone is charged for emergencies.
Familiarise yourself with the layout of the airport to know where help can be found.
Consider using a baby carrier to keep your hands free while managing luggage.
Set reminders for important documents to keep them accessible during travel.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the incident raises serious concerns about safety at Gatwick Airport, it is important to note that such events can occur in various public spaces. The effectiveness of CCTV and security measures can vary, and not all thefts are resolved. The ongoing investigation may yield additional insights, but until then, travellers should exercise caution.

Bottom line

The theft experienced by Kawtar Boudad Dupont at Gatwick Airport underscores significant safety issues regarding family facilities. This incident has prompted necessary discussions about security design and protocols, emphasising the need for improvements to ensure the safety of all travellers, particularly those with children.

FAQs

What should I do if my belongings are stolen at an airport?

If your belongings are stolen at an airport, report the theft to airport security and the local police as soon as possible to file a report.

Are baby changing facilities safe at airports?

While many airports strive to provide safe baby changing facilities, incidents like theft can occur. It's essential to remain vigilant and keep personal items secure.

Can I expect compensation for stolen items at an airport?

Compensation for stolen items at an airport typically depends on the airport's policies and whether a police report has been filed.