Shoplifting -- not worth it Published Dec. 6, 2004 By Capt. Diane Weed, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs DALLAS (AFPN) -- Shoplifting is a crime that could cost a servicemember his or her career and a whole lot of money, too."Whatever excuses people come up with to justify their actions, the fact remains that none of them are good enough reasons to risk a career over," said Steve Bass, Army and Air Force Exchange Service loss-prevention manager.Military exchanges spend millions of dollars each year to foil shoplifters, including measures to deter and detect thefts, Mr. Bass said. As a result, AAFES officials apprehend more than 10,000 shoplifters each year who are then turned over to base security and their units for criminal and Uniform Code of Military Justice action.The Civil Recovery Act, which went into effect March 1, 2002, authorizes AAFES officials to collect a $200 administrative cost plus the value of the shoplifted items from those caught in an exchange store. Sponsors are also financially responsible for their family members' actions, under the terms of the AAFES program. Parents of minors caught shoplifting will be billed for the costs. These administrative charges are separate from any criminal prosecution or military disciplinary action, officials said. "Unfortunately, when individuals steal, they commit a crime against themselves, their family members, other Soldiers and Airmen, and the military community," said Brig. Gen. Toreaser Steele, AAFES vice commander. "It's a real shame since they are taking money out of the hands of commanders who use the AAFES dividend to improve quality of life (at their bases)."