There is a bigger issue here than the obvious frustration that well all feel. That of serious organized theft rings operating at LAX and other airports.
Since the 911 crackdown baggage handlers know that a lot more valuable stuff is placed in checked bags and by valuable I dont just mean laptops or cameras. Women's clothing, sports shoes and expensive makeup are being systematically removed from passenger and flight crews checked bags.
Now you might say people are stupid to check cameras and laptops but on the small LAX to San Diego, American Eagle flights there is hardly room for a toothbrush let alone a Canon 5D with a huge lens in the cabin. So there is sometimes no choice but to valet the bags when you walk to your flight. Its these valet bags that are getting ripped off and in huge numbers, its so bad that the Airlines dont want you to know about this new trend.
Then when you find stuff missing try to claim for it and see what happens
