Peterson's loss prevention, security forces ready to nab shoplifters

Published May 18, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. Ray Bowden
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- What does an elderly woman well into her 80s and a eight-year-old boy have in common? The answer is crime, as both have been charged with shoplifting from an Army and Air Force Exchange Service facility in the past.

These petty criminals represent the gamut of suspects detained for contributing to AAFES' 2008 shoplifting loss of approximately $14 million. This figure includes crooks that slink off without paying for gas at AAFES' service stations.

Rick Spurgeon, AAFES loss prevention regional manager for South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and selected military installations in New Mexico and Arizona, said shoplifting prevention costs reach well into the millions.

"Our detection equipment includes overt camera and electronic article surveillance or 'merchandise tagging,'" said Mr. Spurgeon. "Also, our loss prevention associates are trained to be able to detect shoplifters while walking our sales floors."

Peterson's Base Exchange employs a number of loss prevention associates who regularly walk the beat and also uses approximately 50 cameras which cover all public areas of the store.

"Our loss prevention resources are getting bigger and better," said Suzanne West, Peterson's local AAFES loss-prevention manager. "We put everything we can into preventing shoplifting, but if people choose to steal, we're ready to respond," she said.

Items topping off the average AAFES shoplifter's "must have" list include purses, iPods, Compact Discs, DVDs, colognes, perfumes, health and beauty aids, vitamins and razor blades, to name a few.

"We've caught shoplifters walking out with carts full of merchandise, so just about anything we sell is vulnerable to shoplifting," said Mr. Spurgeon.

On a local level, Peterson security forces patrolmen nab an average of two shoplifters a month, usually teenage dependants caught by the in-store camera system, said Staff Sgt. James Tillisch, 21st Security Forces Squadron plans and programs noncommissioned officer.

Shoplifting is divided into two legal categories: misdemeanor and felony. Theft of property worth less than $999 is considered a misdemeanor; theft of items valued at $1,000 or more is considered a felony.

Possible penalties for Airmen caught shoplifting may include a courts martial, Article 15, reduction in rank, bad conduct discharge and up to six months in confinement. Civilians and family members may face youth monitoring, mandatory counseling, debarment from AAFES facilities and a $200 civil recovery fee.

Customers who pilfer less than $100 worth of property may have their AAFES' privileges revoked for six months. If the property is worth more than $100, this revocation is usually for a period of at least one year.

"All shoplifters will eventually be caught," said Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander. "Remember, a good percentage of AAFES profits go directly back into our community to help fund our local welfare, recreational and morale costs. Shoplifters decrease the amount of money AAFES can put back into these programs so in essence, shoplifters are doing nothing more than stealing from themselves."

Customers who believe they have witnessed a shoplifting are asked to contact the security forces desk sergeant.