MEDIA CONTACT:\u00a0Chris Ward
\nMEDIA ADVISORY: 11-054
\nRELEASE DATE:\u00a0November 7,\u00a02011<\/p>\n
DALLAS \u2013<\/strong> An abundance of shoplifting prevention measures such as eagle-eyed Closed Circuit Televisions with DVR technology, expanded use of high-tech Electronic Article Surveillance and an aggressive youth awareness campaign produced a decrease in theft at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities of 8.5 percent last year, from 5,950 incidents in 2009 to 5,444 last year. The sophisticated anti-shoplifting measures are also being cited as a factor in reducing the costs of products involved in detected cases from $655,169 to $534,525 in 2010.<\/p>\n The Exchange, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to Air Force Services and Army IMCOM, G-9, Family & MWR programs in the past 10 years, continues to focus its efforts on reducing theft.<\/p>\n \u201cShoplifting at the exchange results in a reduced return on investment to our primary shareholders \u2013 the military community,\u201d said the Exchange\u2019s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. \u201cBecause the Exchange is a command with a mission to return earnings to quality of life programs, people who steal from the Exchange don\u2019t only harm themselves but directly impact FMWRC\u2019s and Service\u2019s ability to complete its mission.\u201d<\/p>\n If shoplifting is suspected, the 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.<\/p>\n — 30 —<\/p>\n The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http:\/\/www.shopmyexchange.com<\/span>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n \u00a0Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or wardchr@aafes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t