Mountain Home BX poised to decrease theft in 2009

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MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Despite high-tech surveillance systems, cameras and an aggressive youth shoplifting awareness campaign, theft at base exchange facilities rose 86 percent, from 22 incidents in 2007 to 41 in 2008. As a result, the cost of merchandise involved in shoplifting at the Mountain Home Exchange last year jumped from $1,313 in 2007 to $2,280 for 2008.

AAFES, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to Air Force Services and Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs in the past 10 years, continues to focus its efforts on reducing theft to maximize the investment authorized shoppers make in their exchange benefit.

"This isn't just about a stolen video game or a purse leaving the premise without someone paying," said Robert Cooper, BX general manager. "AAFES' mission to generate earnings in support of moral activities makes loss prevention a quality of life issue for the entire Mountain Home AFB community. People who steal from the exchange do more than harm themselves; they directly impact the BX's ability to complete their mission."

If shoplifting is suspected, BX Loss Prevention associates turn the issue over to local law enforcements. 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 depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.

AAFES is a joint command overseen by a board of directors responsible to the secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the service chiefs of staff. AAFES has a dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs.

To find out more about AAFES' history and mission or to view recent press releases visit http://www.aafes.com/pa/default.asp.