Shoplifting incidents at BX decrease while costs to community rise Published April 28, 2011 By Heather Goudy Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Shoplifting at the Eglin Exchange was a good news, bad news story in 2010 as the number of incidents decreased from the year before but the cost of products involved in detected cases went up. Thanks to 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, theft at the Eglin Exchange decreased -2% percent last year, from 41 incidents in 2009 to 40. Thieves were more brazen, however, as the cost of merchandise involved in shoplifting at Eglin Exchange increased from $6,216 to $12,788 in 2010. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which has contributed more than $2.4 billion to Air Force Services and Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command programs in the past 10 years, continues to focus its efforts on reducing theft. "Shoplifting at the exchange results in a reduced return on investment to our primary shareholders -- the military community," said General Manager Nancy Sweet. "Because the Exchange is a command with a mission to return earnings to quality of life programs, people who steal from the Exchange don't only harm themselves but directly impact Services ability to complete its mission." If shoplifting is suspected, the Eglin Exchange's 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.