New programs cut shoplifting on base Published March 24, 2008 By Staff Reports BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Upgraded camera systems complete with DVR capability, an aggressive educational campaign on the consequences of shoplifting and a 2002 amendment allowing federal retailers to pursue losses and administrative costs related to loss prevention, produced a decrease in theft at the Barksdale BX of 15 percent last year, from 120 incidents in 2006 to 102 in 2007. The sophisticated anti-shoplifting measures are also being cited as a factor in reducing the cost of products involved in detected cases from $$7,578.67 in 2006 to $$6,320.02. "Shoplifting at the exchange results in a reduced return on investment to our primary shareholders -- the military community," said Barbara Travis, the BX General Manager. "Because AAFES is a command with a mission to return earnings to MWR activities, shoplifting at the BX is essentially the same as taking money directly from the pockets of the military Families the exchange serves." With a dual mission to provide quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation (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 Barksdale AFB 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 Travis. "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 (Civil Recovery) of $200. There may be further fees, in addition to the Civil Recovery Program, depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.