High-tech loss prevention safeguards Airmen’s exchange benefits

  • Published
  • Army and Air Force Exchange Service
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With a dual mission to provide quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and to generate earnings to support Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is enlisting the support of the latest loss-prevention technology to protect military families' exchange benefits at the Travis Exchange. 

An electronic article surveillance system, or EAS, is on the front lines of the Exchange's efforts to deter shoplifting and prevent unpaid merchandise from leaving the store. Base Exchange management, based on local conditions and experience, in conjunction with supporting loss-prevention personnel, identify specific items to be tagged with EAS devices. 

These tags are deactivated at the cash register when the merchandise is purchased. Manufacturers have joined ranks with merchants by placing tags inside the packaging of many items to further reduce shoplifting. New tags, which sound an alarm if someone attempts to remove them without the proper device, have also been employed. 

Before reaching the checkout, products are monitored by an advanced electronic video surveillance system that can coordinate the movement of up to 110 unblinking "eyes in the sky." This network of strategically-positioned, microprocessor-driven, closed-circuit cameras is controlled by a central console, which allows loss-prevention associates to pan side-to-side, tilt up and down or zoom in closely to examine activity. 

"Every loss-prevention tool we use has the same objective and that is to discourage theft before it happens," said Lee Chung, BX general manager. "Of course, visible reminders like security tags and camera systems not only deter criminal behavior, but also identify and document it. So, even if the equipment's presence doesn't prevent the crime from happening, the resulting video and/or alarm are almost always invaluable in the resulting prosecution." 

If shoplifting is suspected, AAFES loss-prevention associates turn the issue over to local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act, effective March 1, 2002, allows AAFES to enact a flat, administrative cost of $200. Our base legal team works hand-in-hand with the United States Attorney to prosecute civilian shoplifters to the maximum extent possible. In addition to the loss of base exchange privileges, offenders face a maximum punishment of a $100,000 fine and confinement of one year. Military offenders face possible disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Punishments can include loss of rank, forfeitures of pay and in appropriate cases, confinement of a year or more and a punitive discharge from the service. 

There may be additional fees depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.
"AAFES associates are stewards of the dividend this store is charged with generating," Ms. Chung said. "Activities that diminish exchange shoppers' return on investment can, and do, negatively impact military families' quality of life. Last year, the Travis Exchange contributed $564,533 to the base MWR fund. These funds are used to enhance the quality of life programs for all our Airmen, so we're very serious about preserving them. 

Fortunately, our team is leveraging the latest crime-fighting tools available to further strengthen the exchange benefit Airmen and their families have come to depend on. This new EAS technology, in conjunction with our state-of-the-art camera system, provides a very formidable prevention system. Bottomline, if you shoplift - you will be caught."