Abandoned vehicles pose safety hazard Published Dec. 6, 2011 By Investigator Joseph Anderson 21st Security Forces Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- On base, there are a number of parking lots and parking spaces available for use during the day to ensure accessible and convenient parking for all areas of Peterson. At the end of the day after the National Anthem is played, it is expected that these vehicles will make their way home with the driver who brought them on base. During the month of November, the 21st Security Forces Squadron Investigations Division identified 11 vehicles that were left in unauthorized locations around the base. Abandoned vehicles create many problems for the installation including, but not limited to: 1. The delayed meeting of facility stand-off requirements during increased force protection measures 2. Increased vehicle theft or fraud 3. Detraction from the overall base appearance 4. They contain gasoline and other dangerous fluids and become targets of arson 5. Increased damage to the vehicle and part stripping Peterson AFB policy, 21st SW Supplement to Air Force Instruction 31-204, dictates that there is only one authorized long-term parking area on base. The long-term parking area is established in the parking lot located on the north side of the Peterson Boulevard and Hamilton Avenue intersection in the first row facing the flight line. The parking area is for use by passengers flying space available from the passenger terminal and personnel on extended temporary duty of 22 days or more. This area is more commonly known as the parking lot for the PAFB picnic grounds. Over the next few months, the 21st SFS will proactively target possible abandoned vehicles and problem areas on the installation. This includes trailers and RVs that are not using the authorized locations on base. If security forces identifies a vehicle that is believed to be abandoned, it will first be ticketed with a Department of Defense Form 1408, Armed Force Traffic Ticket. After seven days, the vehicle will be given a DD Form 2504, Abandoned Vehicle Notice. If after 72 hours the vehicle has not been moved, the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense and eventually put up for auction. If you or someone you know has a vehicle parked in an unauthorized location on the base, relocate these vehicles to an appropriate storage location. This will increase the safety of the installation and prevent someone else from picking out your car at the auction block this holiday season. Contact security forces at 556-7060 for more information.