Security Presence Prevents Shoplifting

Military children watch security camera screens in the Base Exchange during a shoplifting prevention event on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Sept 12, 2009. Attendees learned the process shoplifters go through after getting caught stealing from the BX. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Kegney)

Security Presence Prevents Shoplifting

Airman 1st Class Mathew Watkins, 4th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, hand-cuffs Airman 1st Class Kevin Kegney, 4th SFS simulated shoplifter, during a shoplifting prevention skit at the Seymour Johnson Base Exchange, Sept. 12, 2009. During the skit Airman Kegney took a variety of things off the BX shelves while children and their parents observed him in the BX camera room. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rae Perry)

Security Presence Prevents Shoplifting

Senior Airman Adam Cappetti and Airman 1st Class Matthew Watkins, 4th Security Forces Squadron patrolmen, question a suspected shoplifter during a Shoplifting Prevention event scenario at the Seymour Johnson Base Exchange, Sept. 12, 2009. The event showed the consequences of shoplifting to youths. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rae Perry)

Security presence prevents shoplifting

Published Sept. 16, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Rae Perry
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE -- Members of the Goldsboro Police Department, 4th Security Forces Squadron and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service loss prevention manager hosted a Shoplifting Prevention event at the Seymour Johnson Base Exchange Sept. 12. The event taught children and teenagers the consequences of stealing.

"We have done things like this at other bases and had great turnouts," said Robert McKenzie, Seymour Johnson's AAFES loss prevention manager and the event coordinator. "We are always striving for a decrease in crime."

During the event, attendees were shown the camera room that is used to monitor the entire store for safety and security. The cameras, placed strategically throughout the store, prevent potential shoplifters, aid in finding lost children or parents and help provide a safe shopping environment.

The audience also participated in a shoplifting skit that demonstrated the consequences of shoplifting. The audience spotted a shoplifter on camera, then followed the progression of events as the suspect was taken into a holding room, questioned and ultimately detained by security forces Airmen.

Airman 1st Class Kevin Kegney, 4th Security Forces Squadron, acted as a shoplifter in the Shoplifting Prevention event.

"I think that this a great experience and deterrent for the children," Airman Kegney said.