Smart Luggage Theft Detection and GPS Tracking System

Jillella Navya, G. N. Swamy, Siddabattuni Shanmukha Sri, Bhatraju Pujitha and Sasanala Varun

Department of Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Velagapudi Ramakrishna Siddhartha Engineering College,

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Keywords: Luggage Tracking, GPS (Global Positioning System), Arduino Uno, GSM (Global System of Mobile

Communication).

Abstract: Two of the biggest challenges facing the global aviation and transportation industry are lost baggage, luggage

theft, and damage to traveler’s belongings. To address these chronic problems, we have developed and

implemented a luggage tracking system based on the IoT technology. So, in this, the GSM/GPS module is

used for continuous and the Arduino microcontroller is used for data processing. The luggage position is

continuously monitored by the GPS module; it constantly receives relevant position information and sends it

to the microcontroller. The GSM module is responsible for sending the data to the passengers through SMS

and service provided will allow them to easily check on their bags in real time, specifically in the form of a

map. This real-time tracking seeks to minimize the occurrence of lost - misplaced or stolen baggage providing

reassurance for passengers and operational benefits for the aviation sector. This relieves stress, resulting in

passengers knowing the position of their suitcase all the time and has the ability to tracing and reclaiming it

if required. This IoT solution implementation emphasizes the positive happened in the technology of

passenger service, thus trust and satisfaction improvement in the global transports.

1 INTRODUCTION

"Luggage Theft Detection and Tracking System"

prevents theft, and helps in their fast location

tracking. At its heart, a power-fed Arduino Uno

microcontroller keeps track of multiple functions and

alerts. It incorporates an HC-05 Bluetooth module

that communicates wirelessly with a mobile device

owned by the user. For security reasons, users get

their own personalized username and password,

which they enter for Bluetooth pairing. Once the

luggage gets paired with the user’s mobile device, it

stays in range for monitoring (W. Yang and Y. Chen

2022). In case the Bluetooth link is lost from the

luggage moving outside range or being stolen the

system sounds off a buzzer. The Arduino triggers this

alert, for example, if the user moves the luggage out

of Bluetooth range, the system activates its location

mode. A GPS module then receives the precise

coordinates of the luggage and transmits this

information to a GSM module, which establishes a

connection through mobile networks to send the user

location data. Real-time location updates are sent to

the user through a dedicated app called “A-Alert.”

The system is an integration of Bluetooth, GPS and

GSM technologies that enables travelers to track and

find their baggage in a secure manner which will help

them minimise their stress of lost or stolen baggage

(S. Lee, J. Kim, and H. Oh, 2022).

2 LITERATURE SURVEY

Mishra and Khare analyze how industry 4.0

technologies, specifically IoT (Internet of Things), can

be adopted to facilitate passenger experience and

operational efficiency in the aviation industry. The

study emphasizes that IoT technologies facilitate real-

time tracking and communication between multiple

stakeholders to minimize delays, optimize resource

management, and enhance safety in airports and

airline companies (D. Mishra and A. Khare, 2023).

Dutta and Park explain the merging of IoT and

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics for

airport operations. Their research demonstrates the

potential of utilizing IoT sensors integrated with AI

algorithms to predict flight delays, anticipate

maintenance requirements, and allocate resources

more efficiently, leading to improved airport

operational performance and reduced disruptions (S.

Navya, J., Swamy, G. N., Sri, S. S., Pujitha, B. and Varun, S.

Smart Luggage Theft Detection and GPS Tracking System.

DOI: 10.5220/0013908800004919

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Research and Development in Information, Communication, and Computing Technologies (ICRDICCT‘25 2025) - Volume 4, pages

101-107

ISBN: 978-989-758-777-1

101

Dutta and Y. Park, 2023). IoT-based Radio Frequency

Identification (RFID) technology is used in Wang and

Zhang's paper to track the baggage in the airport. They

show how RFID improves the efficiency and accuracy

of baggage handling systems, minimizes lost baggage

situations and increases convenience for passengers

and airport personnel by giving real-time tracking

details (X. Wang and H. Zhang, 2023).

IoT based solutions for baggage tracking and

airport security considering Digital airport ecosystem

Kumar and Rao As demonstrated in their study, IoT

technologies can facilitate real-time tracking of

baggage, enhance security checks, and boost airport

operations, leading to an improved passenger

experience and efficiency of modern airports (Kumar

and V. Rao, 2024). We strive to make sure that lost or

missing luggage problem is eliminated with its

seamless, secure, and cost-effective solution by

combining Bluetooth with other existing

technologies. It outlines several ways to leverage

these technologies in order to enhance overall baggage

handling efficiency, process time and passenger

satisfaction in modern airport (H. A. Adjei et al. 2020).

Pros and cons of the aforementioned models exist

with each. The existing solutions are limited and we

introduce a better solution by utilizing Bluetooth

technology along with other state of the art

technologies. This combination helps to overcome the

shortcomings of existing systems by providing

improved functionality, efficiency, and overall

enhanced user experience in aviation, especially in

baggage tracking, predictive analytics, and overall

operational performance (M. Ö. Demir et al. 2020).

3 PROPOSED METHOD

This System was designed which we named as the

"Luggage Theft Detection and Tracking System" to

overcome the theft problem as well as to quickly

locate luggage if lost. The system utilizes an arduino

uno microcontroller as the main control unit powered

by an external power supply to trigger the necessary

components required for the tracking and alert

functions. A Bluetooth module, the HC-05, may

allow the suitcase to exchange information wirelessly

with the user's mobile device. Unique username and

password for every user for security purpose. The

baggage stays within range of the mobile device once

it is Bluetooth-enabled, making tracking simple. If the

Bluetooth connection is lost, whether because the

luggage has moved out of range or due to a potential

theft, the system triggers an alarm. A buzzer

connected to the Arduino immediately activates,

emitting a loud sound to alert the user of the

disconnection. This audible notification helps the user

quickly detect and retrieve the luggage if it is nearby.

In the case of theft or when the luggage moves beyond

the Bluetooth range, the system switches to location

tracking mode. The system incorporates a GPS

module to deliver accurate position information. The

GSM module is in charge of delivering the data to the

user's mobile device after receiving the baggage's

current coordinates from the GPS module.The GSM

module uses mobile networks to communicate the

luggage’s exact location. The mobile app "A-Alert" is

used to notify the user in real-time, offering instant

updates on the luggage’s whereabouts. This allows

the user to effectively track the luggage (P. Devaki

and M. Karthika, 2019).

The technology guarantees constant monitoring

by fusing GPS and GSM technologies, allowing the

user to trace the position of the luggage at all times.

Connect RX pin of Bluetooth module to TX pin (D2)

of Arduino Uno and TX pin of Bluetooth module to

RX pin (D1) of Arduino Uno*. The ground (GND)

and VCC (VCC) circuits of the Bluetooth module are

connected to the GND and VCC pins of the Arduino

Uno. An input supply of 3.3V to 5V powers the

Bluetooth module. The GPS (Global Positioning

System) module is connected to a Global System for

Mobile Communications (GSM) module. Sending

position data from the GPS (GSM Module) PG via its

TX pin (attached to Arduino Uno's Digital pin 3) to

be processed by the Arduino Uno.

GND and VCC pins of GSM module are

connected to GND and VCC pins of Arduino Uno.

This GSM module needs an input source of around

3.3V to 4V in order to operate its tasks and the

coordinates of location info (longitude, latitude) are

sent from the GSM module to the user mobile device

with the help of A-Alert app. It will display the bag's

location on Google Maps, and forward it to the user's

mobile device. The buzzer will ring if the mobile

device loses Bluetooth connectivity. While the

buzzer's negative pin is linked to GND, its positive

pin is directly attached to the Arduino Uno's Digital

pin 7. The position of the bag is continually sent to

the user's mobile phone using the GSM module. In

addition to offering consumers the ability to retrieve

their baggage in the event that it is lost or stolen, this

technology effectively deters theft. They use

Bluetooth, GPS and GSM technology to give

travelers shady security and minimize that little pang

of anxiety when possessions go missing. If baggage

is lost or stolen, the accurate position tracking of

"Luggage Theft Detection and Tracking System:

provides accurate position tracking, and this prevents

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COMMUNICATION, AND COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES

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theft (M. Ghazal et al. 2016).

The heart here consists of Arduino Uno

microcontroller and external powered circuits, which

controls all of tracking and alert parts. To achieve

wireless communication, it uses an HC-05 Bluetooth

module that establishes a secure connection between

the luggage and the owner’s mobile phone. Unique

usernames and passwords are issued to users for

security purposes. To connect, the system uses

Bluetooth technology to keep the luggage within a

defined distance — allowing users to keep an eye on

their luggage when it’s within range. Should the

Bluetooth connection be severed — either from the

luggage moving out of the range of the smart device

or a potential theft — the system sets off an

immediate alert. The buzzer connected to the

Arduino now gets activated making a hard noise to

inform the user that the connection is disconnect. This

sound alert lets the user search and collect the luggage

in case it is near. If the luggage moves outside of

Bluetooth range the system goes into location

tracking mode, employing a GPS module to collect

accurate position coordinates. The coordinates are

transferred to a GSM module, and the real-time

location is dispatched to a user’s mobile. Transport

notification is available by the mobile application

"A-Alert", that can allow the user to gain immediate

updates of the luggage's location and how to find it

(M. Goldstein, 2017).

Travelers have to face this luggage theft where this

advanced solution is coming into the picture which is

known to be the "Luggage theft detection and

tracking system" which is a combination of Arduino

Uno Microcontroller with Bluetooth, GPS, and GSM

module. HC-05 Bluetooth module is used as part of

the system to create a secured wireless connection

between the luggage and users mobile device

authenticated with a unique username and password.

Within a specific range, this Bluetooth connection

enables the user to track the luggage. On

disconnection between the luggage and the mobile

device because the luggage moves beyond range or in

the case of possible theft the system raises an alarm

which rings a buzzer attached to an Arduino and

generates a loud sound to notify and alert the user.

When the luggage is not nearby, the device is

switched to location tracking mode, and a GPS

module provides precise coordinates of the luggage.

This data is transmitted to a GSM module, which uses

the "A-Alert" program to provide real-time position

updates to the user's mobile device. The module then

shows locations on Google Maps for convenient

tracking. The connections are carefully set up such

that the RX and TX pins of the Bluetooth module are

linked to the TX and RX pins of the Arduino, and the

GPS module sends position data to the GSM module,

which relays this information to the Arduino using the

GSM's TX pin. The buzzer, responsible for the alert

sound, has its positive terminal connected to Digital

pin 7 on the Arduino, allowing immediate activation

upon disconnection. Through the integration of

Bluetooth for proximity alerts, GPS for precise

location tracking, and GSM for real-time

communication, the system provides a dependable,

user- friendly solution to safeguard luggage, offering

peace of mind to traveller’s and GSM module, which

sends real-time location updates to the user's mobile

device. Notifications are delivered through the mobile

app "A-Alert," allowing the user to access instant

updates on the luggage’s whereabouts and track it

effectively (S. Karthick, 2020). Figure 1 shows the

block diagram of the luggage.

Figure 1. Block diagram of the luggage theft detection and

tracking system.

3.1 Arduino Uno Microcontroller

Figure 2: Arduino Uno microcontroller.

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Figure 2 shows the Arduino uno

microcontroller. In a luggage theft detection and

tracking system, the Arduino Uno serves as the main

controller, managing sensors like accelerometers,

GPS, RFID readers, and proximity sensors to monitor

luggage movement and detect unauthorized handling.

It processes sensor data to identify potential theft

situations, such as luggage movement without the

authorized owner nearby. When theft is suspected, the

Arduino triggers alert mechanisms, like sounding a

buzzer or flashing LEDs, and can send notifications

to the owner’s phone via Bluetooth or GSM modules.

Additionally, if equipped with a GPS module, the

Arduino provides real-time location tracking,

transmitting data to the owner’s device even when out

of Bluetooth range. This integration of sensing,

processing, and communication functions makes the

Arduino Uno the "brain" of the system, ensuring

effective theft detection and tracking (Karvinsky,

2020).

3.2 Bluetooth module

An essential part of the system for tracking and

detecting luggage theft is the HC-05 Bluetooth

module You need 5V DC power supply for it to

work. The serial communication between the

microcontroller and the module's TX and RX pins

allows for data exchange. VCC and GND pins are

connected to power and ground. The EN pin controls

when the module turns on and off, and the STATE

pin indicates its current state. KEY pin is used for

pairing and setup.

Bluetooth module: Choose a compatible

Bluetooth module with microcontroller and

smartphone. An effective serial communication

protocol, such as UART, shall be implemented to

ensure reliable data transmission from the module to

microcontroller and vice versa. Use secure data

transmission techniques to ensure sensitive

information is protected and unauthorized access is

denied. Furthermore, appropriate techniques on

power management are necessary to prolong the

lifetime of system battery (E. Newton, 2020).

Considering these considerations, the HC-05

Bluetooth module can be effectively integrated with

the luggage theft detection and tracking system

enabling robust and reliable wireless communication.

This module is crucial for tracking the luggage in

real time, providing alerts if the luggage is moved

without authorization, and for monitoring the

system's status remotely.

3.3 GPS Module and GSM Module

Figure 3 shows the GPS module is an important part

of many electronic devices that enable accurate

tracking and navigation. GPS modules calculate a

device's latitude, longitude and altitude by receiving

signals from several satellites and calculating the time

difference between the transmission and reception of

the signals. A GPS module consists of an antenna,

GPS receiver, microprocessor, and message

communication means such as UART or I2C. Most

of these modules return data in CSV format, NMEA

data which will contain information about Time,

position and other relevant information about the

device. GPS modules are commonly used in

mapping devices, GPS trackers, and navigation

systems. However, none of these elements, such as air

conditions, signal obstructions and quantity of them

both in the periphery and in high altitude can affect

how well they function. The Ublox NEO series and

Adafruit Ultimate GPS (Purwar et al. 2016) are

common GPS modules.

GSM (Global System for Mobile

Communications) modules are pieces of electronic

equipment used in various electronic devices to

provide cellular connectivity so that they can transmit

data over mobile networks, make voice calls, and

send SMS messages. All these modules typically

include a microcontroller, an antenna, a GSM chipset,

and a SIM card slot. They connect with

microcontrollers using serial protocols like UART.

GSM modules are able to send and receive SMS as

well as voice calls when connected through a SIM

card to a mobile network.

Figure 3. GPS and GSM module.

Applications such as GPS tracking, home

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automation, and remote monitoring frequently

employ GSM modules. They are widely accessible

and reasonably priced, but they depend on the

availability of cellular networks and can use a lot of

power when communicating. The GSM modules

SIM900, SIM800, and SIM5320 are widely used (S.

Safdar et al. 2018. The flow chart for the Luggage

theft detection and tracking system is shown in Figure

4 WORK FLOW AND METHODOLOGY

Figure 4: Flow chart for the luggage theft detection and

tracking system.

Table 1: Technical specifications of components.

S.NO Components Specifications

1 Microcontroller ATmega328

GPS Module Tek MT 3318

Temperature -40 °C to 85 °C.

Power Supply 3.3 – 6 V

Baud Rate 9600bps

Bluetooth

module

Hc05

GSM Module SIM800

operating voltage 3.7 ~ 4.2V

5 RESULTS

The systems near real time accuracy on luggage

location is precisely measurable. The individual must

assess how precise and accurate the GPS updates are,

and how frequent the location data is. The system

must regularly offer real-time information about the

Luggage’s location (en route, at an airport, or at a

destination) and provide a record of the delivery

speed and correctness of this experience history. This

also evaluates how well the system informs travelers

about their luggage’s location and the speed and

reliability of alerts and notifications sent to users.

Figure 5: Tracking interface of the A-Alert app in mobile

(Google Map).

You may also evaluate the user experience of the

system, encompassing the mobile app UI, how

straightforward it is to pair the baggage tag with it,

and how simple it is to be presented with monitoring

data and status updates. Running tests on the data

handling capabilities of the system, performance of

Bluetooth, and interactions with the cloud can allow

one to analyze the adaptability of the system, the rate

at which it transfers information, and the energy

economy. Another important consideration is

reliability, which involves keeping an eye on how

efficiently the system manages data loss, monitors

luggage, and reacts to mistakes or interruptions.

Discussions may center on the system's scalability,

namely its capacity to handle several baggage tags

and users at once, and how flexible it is in the face of

unforeseen disruptions. The result tracking location

interface is shown in the Figure 5 and figure 6 and 7

luggage tracker hardware prototype and detected

location.

Smart Luggage Theft Detection and GPS Tracking System

105

Figure: 6. Luggage tracker hardware protype.

Figure 7: Coordinates of the detected location on serial

monitor.

CONCLUSIONS

This Bluetooth-based luggage monitoring device is

quite useful in busy places and on public

transportation, such as buses and trains. When

carrying valuables in their baggage, people frequently

rely on this gadget. This project is a straightforward

but effective way to keep an eye on passenger luggage

and, if needed, offer security by sending an SMS alert

with the position of the luggage and setting off an

audible alarm. The system is a significant

development in access control and security

technology, built on a microcontroller-based security

mechanism that uses a mobile phone. It successfully

addresses security issues that conventional chain-and-

lock techniques are unable to, marking a major

advancement in digital design and technical

advancement. Many applications require security as a

basic necessity, and this gadget works on the tenet

that "prevention is better than cure”. Instead than

tracking baggage just after it has been reported

misplaced, it secures it as soon as it is in the vicinity.

Even if the bag becomes lost, it may still

communicate its location to the user's smartphone,

which will keep updating its position until it is found.

This system uses open-source tools, such as Google

Earth and Google Maps, to provide a GPS-based

tracking solution. It provides a real-time tracking

feature via a client-server architecture, informing

customers of the whereabouts of their luggage as

needed.

7 FUTURE SCOPE

For future development, this study should expand its

focus to incorporate a GPS module to enhance

accuracy in locating luggage. Although the current

system offers useful features, there is room to

improve both the mobile application and the device’s

tracking capabilities. Recommendations for future

work include adding specific location addresses on

Google Maps to help users easily locate their luggage,

as well as implementing a location history feature,

allowing users to monitor past locations of their

luggage over time.

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