Keeping crime rate low is everyone’s job

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The top priority of the 96th Security Forces Squadron is the safety and security of personnel who live and work on base. 

The gates surrounding the base give people a sense of security, but crime still happens and SFS say it's everyone's responsibility to keep the crime rate low. 

According to 1st Lt. Robert Przybysz, squadron operations officer, there's no doubt that on-base offenses mimics that of a small city. One common crime that keeps repeating itself is theft from vehicles. 

"Teenagers as well as adults often commit these crimes in residential areas, and walk from vehicle to vehicle lifting door handles to see if they can find an unlocked vehicle," Lieutenant Przybysz said. "These circumstances are categorized as 'crimes of opportunity' because unless the opportunity presents itself, the perpetrators do not commit the crime. 

The lieutenant said the opportunity arises when vehicles are left unsecured and items of value are left in the vehicle in plan view. When the perpetrators find an unlocked vehicle, they will open the door and take whatever they want from the vehicle, even if the car is parked in the owner's driveway. 

"We can control who comes and goes on base through the gates, but we can't control this type of theft without car owners' cooperation," Lieutenant Przybysz said. 

Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Morgan, operations supervisor, said many insurance companies will not pay claims if the police investigation determines the vehicle was unlocked at the time of the incident. 

"Many times the owner will insist the car was locked, but there are no signs of forced entry," Sergeant Morgan said. "Our officers can only report on the evidence observed." Bottom line; lock your vehicle.

The following tips will help prevent thefts from vehicles.
- Always lock a vehicle when it is parked.
- Take anything of value out of the vehicle. Do not leave purses or wallets in vehicles. If a purse or wallet is taken, it opens up the possibility of becoming the victim of other crimes such as stolen checks, credit cards of identity theft.
- Place all personal belongings underneath the seat, or out of sight. If it is not feasible to take items (compact disc case, portable compact disc player, etc.) out of the car, put them in the trunk.