Shoplifting is Never Worth the Risk DALLAS – 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. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has several avenues to prevent shoplifting, and supports legislation to recover stolen merchandise. AAFES Loss Prevention associates focus on deterring shoplifting by identifying areas that tend to have high pilferage rates. These areas include electronics, sporting goods and cosmetics. Most AAFES exchanges have some type of surveillance, whether it is cameras, detectives or both to monitor these areas and try to prevent shoplifting before it occurs. If a customer has passed the opportunity to pay for merchandise, loss prevention associates turn the issue to military police. In addition to action pursued by military police, the Federal Claims Collection Act allows AAFES to enact a Civil Recovery Program, which began March 1, 2002. 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. “The costs involved in shoplifting affects more than just the shoplifter,” said AAFES Loss Prevention Vice President David Drake. “AAFES has a mission to return dividends to Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, so it ultimately affects everyone.” Shoplifting in military exchanges cost service members millions of dollars annually. In fact, AAFES detained 9,076 shoplifters in 2004 alone. Civil Recovery allows AAFES to recoup some of the cost associated with shoplifting; however, the damage to a career and reputation can be irreparable. -- 30 -- Home
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