Cop's Corner Published May 22, 2009 By 31st Security Forces Squadron AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- On May 16, an active duty military member reported that someone damaged their laptop computer. The Airman stated several individuals knocked on their door loudly and fled the scene causing the military member to become concerned enough to relocate to the base lodging facility where they contacted security forces personnel. After security forces escorted the military member back to their dorm room, the military member noticed that their laptop computer had been damaged. The active duty military member stated they left their room unsecure when they fled to the base lodging facility. Although this incident seemed to start out as some type of prank, it turned into a criminal matter very quickly. As this military member found out the hard way, leaving your dorm room unsecured could possibly lead to property becoming missing or damaged. Lock all dorm room windows and doors to ensure the criminal element cannot make you a victim of crime. On May 15, an active duty military dependent reported that someone struck their 1995 Audi while it was parked in the Base Exchange parking lot. The active duty military dependents' Audi received a dent and scuff mark with white paint transfer. These types of accidents happen periodically. It is important to keep in mind that a minor fender bender can turn into a major crime if it is not dealt with properly. Attempting to make contact with the vehicle owner can minimize the stress of being identified as the subject of a hit and run accident. If you cannot make contact with the vehicle owner, write down the vehicle license plate and a brief description of the vehicle and inform the Police Services Desk of the accident. On May 15, an active duty military member reported that their Vodafone internet access key was stolen. The active duty military member stated the internet access key was taken from their modem which was located in the window of their dorm room. This private property was not properly secured and was left in plain sight. Removing items from plain view is a concept that we should all be very aware of on and off base. We should remain mindful of our valuable personal property that is left in our vehicles and especially in our own homes. Leaving valuable items in plain view will surely increase your chances of being victimized. On May 15, an active duty military member reported that someone damaged their 2007 Ford Focus while they were at a deployed location. The 2007 Ford Focus received multiple damages including a broken back window, dented rear hatch door, scratches on the rear bumper, scratches on the rear door and a gouge on the rear passenger side wheel well. The Airman further stated they had a friend take care of the car while they were deployed and was notified of the damage upon their return. This active duty military member tried to do the right thing by having a friend take care of their vehicle while they were deployed. Hopefully your friend will take better care of your car while you are deployed or TDY. On May 11, an active duty military dependent reported that their vehicle was damaged while it was parked in Ceolini. The active duty military dependent stated they noticed their 1997 Honda Civics' driver side rear bumper was scratched, dented and cracked. In addition to the dents, cracks and scratches, the vehicle received red paint transfer. There is nothing more upsetting than finding your vehicle damaged while it was parked for any amount of time. The important thing to remember is to be mindful of where you leave your vehicle parked. Anticipate traffic flow or other potential hazards that may affect where your vehicle will be secured. On May 11, an active duty military member reported that their dependent child has been missing their 80 GB IPod since March 11. The military member further stated that their dependent child placed their IPod in a separate room as instructed by their teacher before an examination. After the examination, the dependent child went into the separate room to retrieve their IPod only to discover the IPod missing. This is an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided by leaving this expensive piece of electronic equipment in the security of your own home. Consider marking electronic equipment with your name, phone number, address or any other types of distinguishing marks to prevent unnecessary loss or theft such as this one. On May 7, an active duty military dependent reported that someone damaged their 2008 Dodge Caravan. The active duty military member stated they discovered the damage to their vehicle while it was parked in the 31st Medical Group parking lot. The vehicle received scratches on the passenger side rear fender. Careless driving is often times the main cause of these types of incidents. Take your time entering and exiting parking spaces. Give yourself enough room on each side of the space to minimize contact between other vehicles. Taking the extra few seconds to properly park your vehicle may save you the time it takes filling out the necessary security forces reports. On May 4, an active duty military member reported that someone damaged their 1996 BMW 730i. The Airman stated the front windshield on the passenger side of their vehicle was cracked while it was parked in the dormitory parking lot. The active duty military member further stated the vehicle was hit by a golf ball which was found lying next to the vehicle on the passenger side. Although this incident is unfortunate, the bright side is that the vehicle owner did not have to look too long to indentify the perpetrator of the damaged windshield. On May 4, an active duty military member reported that someone struck their 2009 Dodge Journey causing damage to the vehicle. The active duty military member stated they did not know who damaged their vehicle while it was parked at the Military Personnel Section parking lot. The vehicle received white paint transfer and scratches on the driver's side front fender. These types of accidents happen periodically. It is important to keep in mind that a minor fender bender can turn into a major crime if it is not dealt with properly. Attempting to make contact with the vehicle owner can minimize the stress of being identified as the subject of a hit and run accident. If you cannot make contact with the vehicle owner or are uncomfortable with leaving your information on someone's vehicle, write down the vehicle license plate and a brief description of the vehicle and inform the Police Services Desk of the accident. Over the past week, nine military identification cards were lost or stolen both on and off base. It is obvious that we are being careless with our military credentials. Complacency with our credentials gives criminals the tools they need to commit crimes. A lost or stolen military ID card can lead to various forms of identity theft as well as unauthorized individuals gaining access to our military installations. Properly secure your military identification cards in safe, secure locations. Aviano All Star Awards: A false sense of security on base often leads military members to become victims of crimes. The Aviano All-Star Award winner clearly has a false sense of security as they thought it was a good idea to keep their internet access key in their modem while it was in plain view in their window. Theft occurs everywhere in various shapes and forms. If you give the criminal the opportunity to commit a crime they will take it. This victim assisted crime is an excellent example of what can happen if the opportunity presents itself. Keep valuable items locked up, secured and out of plain view when they are not in use. The Aviano All-Star Runner-up Award goes to the individual who hit the mysterious golf ball from the golf course all the way to the dormitory parking lot and struck a vehicle. The dedication and skill that it takes to hit a ball that far is truly remarkable. Crime Prevention Tip of the Week: Planning a family vacation? Whether your destination is Rome, Paris or Denmark, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. Making the trip fun and enjoyable for everyone is key; that's what it's all about. But just as important to the success of your trip will be the steps you take to make it a safe one. Packing for Prevention: Preparing for a family trip requires a lot of planning. You need to decide where you're going, where you'll stay and how you'll get from one place to another. You also need to decide what to take with you. Planning can decrease the chances of crime joining you on your journey. Some tips to consider before you go include: Clean out your wallet or purse before you go. Take only essential credit cards. Plan to use credit cards or traveler's checks instead of cash wherever possible. Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.