100th SFS offers advice to help prevent theft

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott Castrovinci
  • 100th Security Forces Squadron
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  All of us put in long hours to ensure the mission gets done. With this in mind, we want to take full advantage of our time away from the office as much as possible.

This may include traveling, riding bikes, playing video games, watching movies or using the computer. It's how we decompress and enjoy life. Many of the items involved in these activities are expensive and not easily replaced, which is why it's important to take care of them.

It's hard to imagine people being careless with these kinds of belongings and opening themselves up to burglars, but in the past 12 months there have been 12 reported acts of larceny by Mildenhall residents alone.

This statistic is troubling, but the good news is you can easily be part of the solution to lessen the crime rate.

We must all take steps to closely inspect areas around our houses that inhibit criminals from easy access to property. Windows, doors, locks, hinges, screens and lighting are several areas that require periodic maintenance to ensure they work properly. For example, broken light bulbs on the exterior of a house can make it easy for a burglar to move undetected. Hinges and locking mechanisms not properly lubricated may not close correctly, leaving them insecure. Take the time and check these items and it may save you in the long run.

Most thefts are crimes of opportunity; whether people forget to lock their windows and doors or they leave valuables in plain sight, the easy access begs criminals in. The best way to guarantee your valuables are secure is to develop a set routine. For example, always take a look around the house on your way out and physically check your car's windows and doors to ensure they are locked. And have light timers set throughout the house when on vacation or during winter months.

Another step you can take: put away valuables! Don't leave them sitting on your car seat or on the table in the house. If your military gear is stolen off base, you may be liable for replacing these items. Whatever works for you, just do it all the time so it becomes routine.

Another effective way to reduce your susceptibility to crime is through situational awareness. Become familiar with your neighbors and the neighborhood surrounding your home. Establishing a relationship with the local community will give you great insight into the criminal demographic, crime rate and potential threat indicators. Also, building these relationships may reveal other criminal prevention programs such as a neighborhood watch or local constabulary patrolling measures. Let your neighbors or your landlord know when you are going on vacation so they can keep an eye on your property.

Finally, you must avoid complacency. Across the Air Force, complacency can hinder the mission and place military assets at risk. The same can be said about your home and car. A false sense of security can lead you to leave doors and windows unlocked unnecessarily. Maintain your situational awareness, stick to your routines, and never forget that criminals are out there looking for easy targets. We all deserve to relax and go on vacation and to maintain our hard-earned belongings.

To keep yourself, your family and your possessions safe, follow these precautionary steps. Don't become a victim.

For more information, call Staff Sgt. Kenji Hamilton, 100th Security Forces Squadron resource protection program manager, at DSN 238-2494 or commercial 01638-542494, or visit the Suffolk Constabulary's website at www.suffolk.police.uk/ or you can follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/suffolkpolice.