According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, losses due to thefts from retail stores alone amount to more than $35 million a day.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to 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.
Through an aggressive youth “Shoplifting Awareness Community Outreach” program, closed circuit televisions with DVR technology and high-tech Electronic Article Surveillance, the Edwards AFB Exchange took “a bite out of crime” last year as shoplifting decreased 29% percent, from 7 incidents in 2010 to 5.
The value of merchandise involved in local loss prevention cases also dropped from $363.83 in 2010 to $127.2.
“Our proactive, and visible, efforts to prevent shoplifting have resulted in fewer incidents as well as a decrease in the dollar amount of stolen merchandise,” said General Manager Mike Wiles. “Of course, the toll of this issue goes far beyond dollars and cents as theft can be detrimental to a military career. Every shoplifting incident that is prevented before it occurs benefits not only the individual but also our installation and Exchange.”
If shoplifting is suspected, the Edwards AFB Exchange Loss Prevention office turns the issue over to local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act allows the Exchange 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.
