According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, losses due to thefts from retail stores alone amount to more than $35 million a day.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to morale, welfare and recreation programs in the past 10 years, continues to focus its efforts on reducing theft to maximize the investment authorized shoppers make in their Exchange benefit.
Despite an aggressive "Shoplifting Awareness Community Outreach" program targeted at youths, closed circuit televisions with digital video recording technology and high-tech electronic article surveillance, shoplifting at the Fort Sill Exchange increased 74 percent last year, from 31 incidents in 2010 to 54.
The value of merchandise involved in local loss prevention cases, however, decreased from $5,274.43 in 2010 to $4,816.70.
"Despite our proactive, and visible, efforts to prevent shoplifting, the end result last year was an increase in incidents," said Mae Padgett, Fort Sill Exchange manager. "Of course, the toll of this issue goes far beyond dollars and cents as theft can be detrimental to a military career. Every shoplifting incident that is prevented before it occurs benefits not only the individual, but also our installation and Exchange."
If shoplifting is suspected, the Fort Sill Exchange Loss Prevention office turns the issue over to local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act allows the Exchange to enact a flat, administrative cost (civil recovery) of $200. There may be further fees, in addition to the Civil Recovery Program, depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.
For more information, call 248-7006 or visit www.shopmyexchange.com.
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