[Lee Cameron]

My watch was stolen when going through security at the Etihad exclusive area of Abu Dhabi airport on 29th November 2014. Watches must be removed and placed in a tray to go through a X ray scanner, after I went through the scanner I was directed to a booth for a personal pat down and not allowed to collect my watch and bag. When I returned my watch was gone – the Etihad security female consistently told investigators that she was minding my watch and bag until I returned but it went missing within the minute or so I was in the booth. My passport and boarding pass were taken, preventing me from leaving the area. My next flight was due to board in 40 minutes. I was told I had a choice of staying and viewing the security tape, paying for a hotel for the night and purchasing a new ticket the following day or completing my flight and Etihad would view the security tape in my absence, with the hope of locating my watch and sending it to Sydney on the next flight. I was dragged from person to person but not allowed to write down names or contact details. I was scanned, my bag scanned twice then emptied whilst the security female kept saying she had my watch last and did not give it to me. Etihad has been reluctant to talk to me, totally disinterested, accused me of having “at all times care, control and custody of my watch” and generally thrown all barriers up to prevent an investigation. The only time I receive a response from Etihad was when I email the CEO, James Hogan. I have been accused of “inconsistencies in my version” which is ridiculous as I pointed out their security video tape revealed exactly what happened and who the thief was. I have been refused a copy of the tape so presume Etihad is protecting its own employees. Etihad even suggested they will do all they can to locate my watch 30 days after it was stolen. I notified Etihad that I would not return on my booked flight as the flight to Sydney was terrible, stuck in a seat in a very hot plane without water for 2 hrs whilst our flight take off was delayed – this before a 14 hr flight, my reading light and dvd unit did not work and no spare seats.. A true nightmare. Etihad are refusing to refund the cost of my stolen watch and the unused portion of my flight despite having a medical certificate stating unable to fly at that date. Never ever use this airline if you value your jewellery and want a trouble free flight.