The comments on here are all, quite helpfully, pointing out ways in which passengers can try and make sure that their baggage does not disappear during the security checks. Point is though, as the OP says, it shouldn't happen.
Devising a system of ensuring your passengers property is safe for the short while it is out of their sight is hardly brain surgery, and any competent airport management should be able to come up with one in a few minutes.
Last edited by BKS Air Transport; 3rd Nov 2012 at 22:28.