Investigating officers have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the theft.
Between 11.35am and 11.50am on December 12 a family who were due to board a long haul flight had their baggage stolen from the check-in area of the South Terminal.
Items in the baggage included Apple electronic gadgets and laptops, house keys, a wallet containing bank cards, Sony headphones, and scuba diving equipment including snorkels and a wetsuit.
Police believe the thief then boarded a bus to Crawley and later attempted to use the stolen bank cars in Langley Green.
The man is described as being aged in his 30s with a beard, wearing a dark blue jacket, blue jeans, black trainers, and a dark or brown coloured baseball cap.
Inspector Mark Robinson said: “We are investigating a report of theft of luggage from the terminal area at London Gatwick while the victim was distracted.
“This was distressing for the victim, who was with his young family at the time and seeking to embark on a holiday ahead of a busy festive period.
“We are issuing CCTV images of a man we wish to speak with in connection with our enquiries, anyone who can identify him is asked to come forward.”
Information can be reported to Sussex Police online by quoting serial 1097 of 12/12.
