HALIFAX — Three baggage handlers have been charged after alleged thefts from luggage at Halifax Stanfield International Airport — and RCMP say more arrests are expected.

The handlers allegedly searched through checked baggage after it had been loaded onto a plane Jan. 27, Nova Scotia RCMP said in a press release.

“Theft from luggage on any aircraft is very concerning,” said Cpl. Andrew Joyce. “We have an expectation that when you hand your property over to be safeguarded, you expect it to be safeguarded.”

Like all baggage handlers, the three men worked for an airline but an airport authority spokeswoman would not say which carrier or what was allegedly stolen. She noted the accused passed security screening before they could work as baggage handlers.

“Everybody who works here at the airport past the security line has to have pretty intense background checks,” said Ashley Gallant.

She said staff are sharing footage from some of the airport’s more than 400 cameras with investigators.

Two 23-year-old men from Stewiacke and Dutch Settlement and a 19-year-old Halifax man are facing theft charges. The Stewiacke man is also accused of possession of stolen property. They have been released and are scheduled to appear at Dartmouth provincial court on March 15.

“Further arrests and charges are anticipated,” police said in the press release.

Joyce said the episode should remind travellers to lock their luggage.