DALLAS -- Hundreds of North Texas airline travelers have reported items stolen from their luggage, and some of them blame the government security screeners who were hired to keep them safe, NBC 5 reported.

In the last two years, more than 1,200 passengers at Dallas/Fort Worth and Love Field airports have filed claims for items lost, broken, or stolen by employees of the Transportation Security Administration.

For some frequent flyers theft has become a constant concern.

"I always think about somebody taking something out of my bag," Mike Williams said.

Holly Fert agreed. "I don't appreciate people going through my bags but you can't lock them so what do you do?"

Travelers have reported everything from expensive jewelry to electronics like digital cameras and portable DVD players stolen.

The federal government has paid more than $93,000 to settle those claims, and nationally the number is much higher.

Some travelers reported being robbed at the security checkpoints. Aviation consultant Denny Kelly said he spotted a screener trying to steal from him in Boston.

"I said he's taking money out of my wallet and I want you to call the police," Kelly said. "If they're stealing things how closely are they looking for things that are dangerous, or are they just looking for things they can take?"

More than 4,700 claims of theft and damage have been reported since the TSA took over airport security in 2002 -- a figure that has cost taxpayers more than $7 million.

The TSA said the number of thefts is small compared to the millions who travel every year. Still the agency said they watch employees closely.

"We have fired screeners for taking 50 cents," TSA Spokesperson Andrea McCauley said. "We also fired another screener for taking WD-40 out of a bag, because theft is theft and we do not tolerate it."

Airline workers, and not TSA employees probably committed some thefts reported to the TSA, but either way the government has paid the claims because there has not been an agreement between the airlines and the government on sharing the costs.

If you suspect something was stolen from your suitcase, you can contact a TSA supervisor at the airport or you can get claim forms online once you get home.

For More Information www.tsaclaims.org