Loss prevention safeguards protect Airmen, families

  • Published
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  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 Luke Air Force Base 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, are also in use. 

Before reaching the checkout, products are monitored by an advanced electronic video surveillance system that can coordinate the movement of up to 100 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 Robert Carter Jr., Luke 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, the resulting video, alarm or both 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. 

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," Mr. Carter said. "Activities that diminish exchange shoppers' return on investment can, and do, negatively impact the quality of life for military family members. 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." 

Courtesy of Army and Air Force Exchange Service