Security system provides powerful deterrent to would-be shoplifters.
Would-be shoplifters would be well-advised to leave any thoughts of theft at the door when they enter any of the Fort Irwin/National Training Center AAFES facilities, because chances are they will get caught in the act if they don't.
"We have 130 cameras in our building and we can set it to tell us when someone gets close to a specific area," said Fort Irwin/NTC AAFES loss prevention manager Cassie Conley of the system that is in place in the Fort Irwin/NTC PX.
Fort Irwin is the only AAFES installation that has such a sophisticated security system as part of AAFES' plan to install similar systems in all of its facilities, Mrs. Conley said.
"We have 30 areas of the store we are watching, and we can change those depending on what the trends are," she said, noting that perfume is currently among the most popular targets for thieves.
During an average week, one to 10 people are invited back to the AAFES loss prevention offices after being caught shoplifting, she said, adding that there is no one specific group that steals more than another.
"We have kids from 10 to 17, active-duty Soldiers, spouses, and civilian contractors," she said.
The punishment for being caught stealing results in a minimum of a person's AAFES privileges being suspended for six months, which includes the PX and all of the eating establishments on post, she said.
Juveniles are referred to the post's juvenile justice system run by Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Harvey, and each person is required to sign a letter in front of the Garrison Commander Col. Jim Chevallier stating that they are aware that their AAFES privileges have been suspended, Mrs. Conley said.
While nabbing shoplifters is part of the job, Mrs. Conley said she would rather educate the entire Fort Irwin community about the AAFES security efforts to prevent such actions from taking place.
"I would rather show them our camera room and educate them about what we do, so they can tell everyone, 'We shouldn't do this,'" she said, adding that she invites everyone to call her office at (760) 386-2060 ext. 108 to set up a tour.
All of the proceeds from AAFES sales go back to Fort Irwin's MWR program and shoplifting reduces the amount of money AAFES pours back into the community to provide better things for people to do, she said.
"It's embarrassing for the children, the family and the Soldier to go to garrison and explain why they aren't allowed back into AAFES facilities," she said.
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