High-tech loss prevention safeguards Soldiers' Exchange benefit

With a dual enduring mission to provide quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, AAFES enlists the support of the latest in loss prevention technology to protect military families' exchange benefit at Fort Belvoir.

An electronic article surveillance system is on the front lines of the exchange's efforts to deter shoplifting and prevent unpaid merchandise from leaving the store. Post exchange management, based on local conditions and experience, in conjunction with supporting loss prevention personnel, identify specific items to be tagged with EAS devices. These tags are deactivated at the cash register when the merchandise is paid for. Manufacturers have joined ranks with merchants by placing tags inside the packaging of many items to further reduce shoplifting. New tags have also been deployed that sound an alarm if someone attempts to remove it without the proper device.
Before reaching the checkout, products are monitored by an advanced Electronic Video Surveillance System that can coordinate the movement of up to 110 unblinking eyes in the sky. In fact, this network of strategically positioned, microprocessor-driven, closed-circuit cameras are controlled by a central console that allows loss prevention associates to pan side-to-side, tilt up and down or even zoom in closely to examine activity.

"Every loss prevention method we use has the common goal of discouraging theft before it even happens," Rick Mora, PX General Manager said. "Of course, visible reminders like security tags and camera systems not only deter criminal behavior, but also identify and document it. So, even if the equipment's presence doesn't prevent the crime from happening, the resulting video and alarm are almost always invaluable in the resulting prosecution."

In the event shoplifting is suspected, AAFES loss prevention associates turn the issue over to local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act, which began March 1, 2002, allows AAFES to enact a flat, administrative cost or civil recovery of $200. There may be further fees, in addition to the Civil Recovery Program, depending on the condition of the stolen merchandise.

"AAFES associates are stewards of the dividend this store is charged with generating," Mora said. "Activities that diminish exchange shoppers' return on investment can, and do, negatively impact military families' quality of life. Fortunately, our team is leveraging the latest crime-fighting tools available to further strengthen the exchange benefit Soldiers, and their families, have come to depend on."