Belgium nationals accused of stealing bags from Las Vegas luggage carousels

KINGMAN, Ariz. — A pair of Belgium nationals are accused of stealing bags from Las Vegas luggage carousels after they took flights back from their home country.

Sandy De Backer, 36, and Kristof De Smet, 39, both of Kerksken, Belgium, about 20 miles northwest of Brussels, are charged with one count each of theft. The couple, who were arrested Oct. 7 in Lake Havasu City, pleaded not guilty Monday in Mohave County Superior Court in Kingman.

Both were wanted on fugitive warrants issued in Las Vegas. The Clark County district attorney's office and the Metropolitan Police Department declined comment Monday.

Metro called Lake Havasu City police Oct. 3, asking for help tracking down De Backer and De Smet. Lake Havasu City police said an investigation determined the couple had stolen luggage from other passengers during at least three flights from Belgium to Las Vegas over 18 months.

Court paperwork says surveillance video shows the pair would grab their own bags before stealing others' luggage. Among items taken, police said, were a Louis Vitton handbag on Victoria's Secret underwear. One or more of the stolen items reportedly belonged to a Pennsylvania woman.

Authorities used social media to find their suspects, court records show. The couple said they usually visit Lake Havasu for an annual jet boating competition, and that they had paid for a 30-day stay at the Crazy Horse Campground, near the town's landmark London Bridge.

Police said they found a stolen suitcase, clothing, purses and other personal effects during a search of the property.

An interpreter translated English to Dutch during Monday's arraignment hearing. De Smet and De Backer are being held in Mohave County jail on $75,000 bond. Their next court appearances are set for Nov. 16.