CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
With local schools gearing up for summer break the Charleston AFB Exchange is working to educate Team Charleston's youth on the consequences of stealing from the Exchange.
Since 2007, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Community Outreach Program and the Loss Prevention Team at Charleston AFB have been educating its customers, specifically targeting minors, on the pitfalls of shoplifting. This year is no exception.
If we can prevent one person from shoplifting, then we've done our job. Of course those of us here at the Charleston AFB Exchange would like to go the whole summer without any shoplifting incidents. The consequences of being caught shoplifting are severe.
There was a recent shoplifting incident at the Base Exchange and the individuals involved were taken into custody by the Charleston County Sheriff's Department.
The 437th Security Forces Squadron responds to all shoplifting incidents at the Base Exchange. If the person is a civilian, dependent or retiree, the Charleston County Sheriff's Department will respond as well and the individuals will be taken into custody.
Under the AAFES Civil Recovery Program, each shoplifter's parent or guardian are required to pay a $200 civil recovery penalty. The penalty fee goes towards the purchasing of surveillance systems and security equipment for the Base Exchange.
However, the consequences of shoplifting do not end there. The alleged shoplifter is taken into custody and a bail is set, historically, bail averages $1,000. A court date is determined and fines can range from $1,000 or more, to include jail time if convicted.
The Charleston AFB Exchange has a 100 percent conviction rate. Each shoplifter will lose their Exchange privileges for up to one year.
AAFES utilizes closed circuit televisions along with other tools to deter and catch shoplifters.
The Loss Prevention staff at the Base Exchange welcomes any parent who would like their child to see the camera system by bringing them to the customer service area. By seeing how good these cameras really are and educating the youth on the perils of shoplifting, AAFES hopes to reduce the number of shoplifters who are caught and prosecuted.
The Charleston AFB Exchange feels if a person is able to see what the video system is capable of, due to better technology; it might keep someone from attempting to steal exchange merchandise.
For more information please contact the Charleston AFB Base Exchange at 552-5000.