Edwards cracks down on shoplifting

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In fiscal 2007, the 95th Security Forces Squadron recorded 33 cases of shoplifting -- mainly in the Base Exchange.

As of March 31, security forces has already recorded 13 cases of shoplifting.

"The recent increase in shoplifting here can be attributed to thrill-seeking teens and peer pressure," said Maj. Steven Heffington, 95th SFS commander. "Taking anything of value from any store is shoplifting. The BX has a robust security system and those who try to steal will get caught."

The BX's anti-shoplifting system includes surveillance cameras as well as an electronic surveillance system on high-priced items.

"The EAS is a small tag that can only be removed by a cashier," said Vickie Smith, Army Air Force Exchange Service general manager. "If a person attempts to leave the store without the removal of this tag, an alarm will go off."

Most cases of shoplifting are committed by people between the ages of 12 and 16, Major Heffington said.

When caught shoplifting at the BX, the person will be detained and escorted from the store in handcuffs. They will also will be asked to make a statement and will be fined $200 in addition to the price of the stolen merchandise.

"From that point, further prosecution depends on whether or not they're a civilian, military or dependent," Major Heffington said.

Civilians will be prosecuted by the Kern County legal system under penal code 488, with a maximum punishment of six months of incarceration and a $1,000 fine. 

Family members under 18 years old will be banned from the BX or possibly the base for up to a year, causing the entire family to move off base, Major Heffington said. Servicemembers who steal are in violation of Article 121 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for larceny, which may lead to a court martial and a possible discharge from the military.
 
"It's a privilege to be associated with the base," Major Heffington said. "If (people) shoplift, they're violating the trust that goes along with that."