Travis Exchange ‘Takes a Bite Out of Crime’ Published July 25, 2012 By Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs 60th Force Support Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Losses due to thefts from retail stores alone amount to more than $35 million a day according to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention. 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 digital video recorder technology and high-tech electronic article surveillance, Travis Exchange shoplifting decreased 36 percent last year from 118 incidents in 2010 to 75. The value of merchandise involved, however, increased from $6,960.25 in 2010 to $7,082.29. "Our proactive and visible efforts to prevent shoplifting resulted in a decrease in incidents but, unfortunately, the total value of the items stolen increased," said Morris Howard, Travis Exchange general manager. "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 Travis Exchange Loss Prevention office turns the issue over to local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action or criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act allows the Exchange to enact a flat, administrative cost of $200. There may be further fees, in addition to the Civil Recovery Program, depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise. The Exchange will continue its aggressive awareness program in hope that the future will continue the declining pattern of theft, thus enhancing living for eligible shoppers.