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Fairchild BX poised to decrease theft in 2008

  • Published
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Despite an upgraded camera system complete with DVR capability, an aggressive educational campaign on the consequences of stealing and a 2002 amendment allowing federal retailers to pursue losses and administrative costs related to shoplifting, theft at the Base Exchange remained constant with 12 incidents in 2006 and 12 incidents in 2007. However, the cost of merchandise involved in shoplifting at Fairchild Main Exchange last year jumped from $1,281.69 in 2006 to $2,809.07.

"Shoplifting at the exchange results in a reduced return on investment to our primary shareholders -- the military community," said the Matthew Beatty, Fairchild Exchange general manager. "Because AAFES is a command with a mission to return earnings to [Morale, Welfare and Recreation] activities, shoplifting at the BX is essentially the same as taking money directly from the pockets of the military families and single military members that the exchange serves."

With a dual mission to provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support MWR programs, AAFES, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to military quality of life programs in the past 10 years, continues to focus its efforts on reducing theft.

In an effort to protect the MWR dividend AAFES provides annually and further reduce shoplifting incidents, Loss Prevention associates are stepping up education efforts to help highlight the cost and perils of stealing through local anti-shoplifting campaigns. AAFES is also testing intelligent video analysis solutions that are expected to further reduce losses. Capable of alerting personnel to crucial incidents as they happen, the new systems will allow store personnel to intervene before merchandise even leaves the store. In addition to these measures, the Fairchild BX's Loss Prevention team continues to proactively identify store display areas that tend to have high theft rates.

"No one likes catching shoplifters," said Mr. Beatty. "In fact, one of our major objectives is to deter shoplifting before it ever happens by educating shoppers of all ages on the exchange's ability to monitor and record activity throughout the store. It's our hope that individuals who might be considering theft will see the security measures, think twice and make the right decision for their family and career."

If shoplifting is suspected, BX Loss Prevention associates turn the issue over to local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act, which began March 1, 2002, allows AAFES to enact a flat, administrative cost of $200. There may be further fees, in addition to the Civil Recovery Program, depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.