Luke BX poised to decrease theft Published Nov. 8, 2006 Luke AAFES Publicity Office LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- "Everywhere, all the time," is the motto of the Luke's Army and Air Force Exchange Service loss prevention team. Despite their efforts, shoplifting at the base exchange increased in 2005 by 26 percent to 108 incidents. While encouraged by the team's ability to prevent the loss of nearly $5,200 in merchandise last year, AAFES leadership is working to ensure even fewer exchange customers are tempted to steal in 2006. "Military service members spend years building careers on values such as trust, competency and responsibility, all which can come crashing down with one shoplifting incident," said Matt Buan, Luke BX general manager. "The damage can be irreparable." AAFES loss prevention members focus on deterring shoplifting by identifying areas that tend to have high pilferage rates. These areas include electronics, sporting goods and cosmetics. All AAFES exchanges have camera surveillance systems manned by detectives to monitor these areas and try to prevent shoplifting before it occurs. Most also have electronic article surveillance systems tags that sound an alarm when attempts are made to remove unpaid for merchandise from the store. "No one likes catching shoplifters," said Buan. "In fact, many of AAFES loss prevention tools are designed to deter shoplifting before it even happens. It's our hope that individuals who might be considering theft will see the security measures and think twice." If a customer has passed the opportunity to pay for merchandise, AAFES loss prevention associates turn the issue over to military police. In addition to possible disciplinary and/or criminal action, the Federal Claims Collection Act, which began March 1, 2002, allows AAFES to enact a Civil Recovery Program. The flat, administrative cost, applicable to every shoplifting incidence, is $200 and there may be further fees depending on the condition of the recovered stolen merchandise.