95th SFS keep eye on vandalism Published May 4, 2007 By Airman Mike Young 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the rising number of complaints regarding vandalism on base, the 95th Security Forces Squadron is revving up its force to help prevent and catch people committing the crime. Vandalism is an act of destroying private and government properties and it includes spray painting walls and breaking windows. "Vandalism on base has senior leader's attention," said Airman 1st Class Jason Slagle, 95th SFS police services staff. "They want to stop it and want to know who is behind it." Vandalism is regularly briefed and patrols are looking for it, said Tech Sgt. Robert Tucker, 95th SFS police services noncommissioned officer in charge. Since the start of the base housing project we have seen an increase in the amount of vandalism reported. Of the people we have caught, a majority of them have been juveniles, Sergeant Tucker said. Children on base think these houses aren't in use, so nobody cares what happens to them, he said. "What they fail to realize is that there is a process to removing these houses, and somebody will have to pay for the destruction whether it be the Air Force or the parents of those caught," he said. "They break windows and cause destruction to property which is not theirs and may be able to be used in other houses," Sergeant Tucker said. Recently, vandals have targeted empty schools on base, Sergeant Tucker said. Juveniles caught vandalizing could find themselves in front of a juvenile board, military members could face the Uniform Code of Military Justice, civilians can be barred from coming on base, and military families could be asked to move off base. Regardless of the risk, vandalism still occurs, Airman Slagle said. "Everybody needs to look out for it, especially Airmen," he said. "Being in the military, it boils down to the core value of integrity. If you see it, why not try to stop it?" It is a problem that affects everyone, Sergeant Tucker said. "Vandalism costs taxpayers dollars and lowers the quality of life for everyone in the community," he said. "The base is our community. We are all responsible to take care of it." The Edwards community can help stop vandalism, Airman Slagle said. Anyone who witnesses vandalism can call the law enforcement desk at 277-3440 or Crime Stop at 275-7500. Crime Stop is an anonymous hotline. "Vandalism is a crime," Sergeant Tucker said. "The quickest and easiest way to fix the problem is teamwork, which is the Air Force way of life."