Shoplifting at Barksdale BX down

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Recent anti-shoplifting measures implemented at the base exchange at Barksdale Air Force Base, home of Air Force Global Strike Command, has proved to be an affective countermeasure.

Upgraded camera systems complete with DVR capability, an aggressive educational campaign on the consequences of shoplifting and an amendment allowing federal retailers to pursue losses and administrative costs related to loss prevention, produced a decrease in theft at the Barksdale Base Exchange of 2 percent, from 59 incidents in 2009 to 58 last year.

The anti-shoplifting methods were also cited in reducing the costs of products involved in identified cases from $5617.40 to $2602.92 in 2010.

"Shoplifting at the exchange results in a reduced return on investment to our primary shareholders--the military community," said Gilbert Mata, Army Air Force Exchange Service general manager at Barksdale. "Because the exchange is a command with a mission to return earnings to quality of life programs, people who steal from the exchange don't only harm themselves, but directly impact services ability to complete its mission."

The Barksdale AAFES not only provides merchandise and services at competitively low prices, but also produces earnings to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. AAFES contributed more than $2.4 billion to military quality-of-life programs in the past 10 years, and even with the noted decrease in theft, they will continue to focus their efforts on reducing theft.

"No one likes catching shoplifters," said Jeanette Dunmire, AAFES administration office assistant. "Ideally, we want to deter shoplifting before it ever happens by educating shoppers on the exchange's ability to monitor and record activity throughout the store. We hope potential shoplifters 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 allows AAFES to enact a flat, administrative cost (Civil Recovery) of $200. There may be further fees, in addition to the Civil Recovery Program, depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.