Cop's Corner

  • Published
  • By 31st Security Forces Squadron
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  On July 23, a dependent spouse of a 31st Fighter Wing member reported that a suspicious individual was granted access into their residence. The tenant thought the person may have been sent there by their landlord to fix the gas system of the residence, but was suspicious as to if that was the case based on the contents of the individuals' duffle bag. The dependent spouse then opened the front door to their residence and instructed the individual to leave. This is a great example of being aware of your surroundings. If someone shows up to your front door to make repairs, make them show you some type of identification. Ensure that identification includes a picture of the individual and the name of the company they are representing. Call your landlord to verify that they did send someone to your residence to make repairs. Ask your landlord to escort these individuals while they are making repairs. Kudos goes out to this dependent spouse for being vigilant.

On July 22, an active duty military dependent reported that they lost their military ID card. The dependent last saw their ID card at the Area 1 Shopette on July 6. After retracing their steps, the active duty military dependent was unable to recover the missing ID card. Even family members can become complacent with their military credentials. Military members should take the time to explain to their dependants how important their credentials are and the importance of keeping these documents secure.

On July 20, an active duty military member reported that they lost their military identification card. The Airman stated they last saw their military ID card while they were at Club Paradise and discovered it missing on the same day. After retracing their steps, the member was unable to relocate their missing ID card. Military credentials come up lost or stolen at an alarming rate here at Aviano Air Base. Security Forces receives at least three to four missing ID card reports a week. A military identification card should be safeguarded just the same as your banking information. A military ID card contains more personal information on it than any other type of card you carry in your purse or wallet.

On July 20, an active duty military member reported that someone damaged their 2000 Ford Mustang. The Airman stated they were sitting in their vehicle when another active duty military member opened their door and struck the Mustang. The car received a scratch on the driver's side door. These types of accidents happen frequently on our installation. It is important to remember that if you accidently bump into another individual's vehicle and fail to make contact with that individual it is considered a hit and run accident. Obviously, a hit and run on your driving record is more serious than a small fender bender. If you bump into another vehicle, you must leave your contact information with that vehicle. If you are unable to leave your information, file a report with the 31st Security Forces Squadron Police Services Desk.

On July 13, an active duty military member reported that they lost their military identification card. The active duty military member stated they noticed the military ID card was missing while they were at work. The active duty military member was unable to recover the lost ID card. It is easy to become complacent with our military identification cards. Keep in mind the importance these credentials have on our installation security. A lost or stolen ID card could allow an unauthorized individual access to our base and other affiliated facilities.

On July 13, an active duty military dependent reported that they lost their dependent ID card. The active duty military dependent stated they noticed the ID card was missing while they were boarding a flight in Malaga, Spain. After retracing their steps, the active duty military dependent was unable to recover the lost ID card. While traveling, it may not always be favorable to carry military credentials. If you sense the need to carry these credentials, be mindful of their whereabouts at all times. These forms of identification are just as important as your passport, credit/debit cards and other types of important documents.

On July 13, an active duty military member reported that they lost their mobility bag. The Airman stated their lost mobility bag contained a gas mask, gas mask canister, gas mask carrier, training hood and other gas mask related materials. The active duty military member further stated they last saw their mobility bag in November of last year before discovering it missing on July 1. It is very important to safeguard issued equipment, especially mobility gear. This type of gear should be kept in a secured environment (not the trunk of your car), free from bad weather conditions and not easily accessible to thieves.

On July 13, an active duty military member reported that someone stole their bicycle. The active duty military member stated their bicycle chain was cut from the bike rack outside of their dormitory residence and the bicycle was removed. The active duty military member was unable to recover the stolen bicycle. If you need to secure your bicycle in a rack, ensure that you are taking the necessary precautions to secure the bike properly. Consider upgrading the locking mechanism which secures the bicycle to a fixed object or bike rack. Remember, only use approved bicycle locks and chains to properly secure your bike.

Only four lost or stolen identification cards were reported to the 31st SFS over the last two weeks. This is a drastic improvement over the past few weeks. There were more than 30 reported incidents of lost or stolen identification cards in June. It is critical to our mission here at Aviano Air Base, that we maintain the security of our military credentials at all times. Remember, an increase in lost or stolen ID cards is a decrease in base security.

Last week there were also more than four reported incidents where someone's vehicle was scratched, dinged or dented by an unknown source. Drive carefully while on the installation. Obey the posted speed limit of 30 mph. Finally, if you accidently tap, scratch, ding or dent someone's vehicle, make every effort to make contact with that individual so that the issue can be resolved properly. The penalty for not reporting the incident is much higher than simply doing the right thing.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week:
Military travel can be stressful. Why make it more so by setting yourself up as a target for crooks? When traveling by car, become familiar with your travel route before you start. Get a map and study it. Make sure your rental car is in good operating condition. Keep your maps and rental agreement concealed, not lying on the seat or the dashboard. Keep car doors locked while you are driving. Park your vehicle in well-lighted areas close to building entrances and walkways. Have car keys ready when approaching your car. Check the back seat and floors before you get in. If you are bumped by another car, think before you get out. Signal the other driver to follow you to a nearby police station or a busy, well-lighted area where it's safe to get out.
If flying, stay especially alert at the airport and watch your bags and computer carefully at all times. Don't let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle or watch your bags. Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you or spilling a drink. Often, it's a ploy to divert your attention. Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, wear a money pouch under your clothes. Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage and keep anything of value in a carry-on that stays with you. Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewelry, and luggage that might draw attention. Your aim should be to blend in with the crowd.