Cop's Corner

  • Published
  • By 31st Security Forces Squadron
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  On Feb. 23, an active duty military member reported that someone struck their vehicle while they were parked in the Building 1403 parking lot. The Airman stated that the vehicle received multiple scratches and dents which ran along the passenger side of the vehicle. Accidents happen, however it is necessary to inform the other person when you strike his or her vehicle. If an incident like this occurs, leave a note attached to the vehicle with your contact information so that person can contact you to exchange insurance information. If you are uncomfortable leaving your contact information on another persons vehicle, you can contact the Police Services Desk to report the incident yourself. 

On Feb. 25, an active duty military dependent reported that someone tried to break into their residence. The dependent stated that they were awoken earlier that morning to the sound of someone attempting to break into their residence. When they turned on the outside light, the individuals fled from the residence. At that time, the dependent noticed the locking assembly of the door was drilled out. Incidents like this one need to be reported immediately. If someone is trying to get into your residence or seems to be making observations near your residence, try to get a physical description of the individual and report it to the 31st Security Forces Squadron Law Enforcement Desk.

On Feb. 25, an active duty military member reported that someone cut the lock to their locker and removed several items. The Airman stated that they were missing cold weather gear, one ABU uniform, one pair of boots and one set of coveralls. The Airman was unable to recover the missing items. The individual who broke into this locker was not very smart. If identified, not only could he or she be charged with theft of government property, but the individual could additionally be charged with damage of government property as well. 

On Feb. 27, an active duty military member reported that they lost their wallet. The active duty military member stated they gave their wallet to an associate to secure in their pocket while they were waiting for a ride from Airmen Against Drunk Driving to pick them up. While the Airman and the associate were waiting outside a dance club, a person approached them and offered them a ride home. After the person departed the scene, the associate noticed the Airman's wallet was missing. The Airman further stated that the missing wallet contained; 10-15 euro, $4, one Fossil 1956 black wallet, one military identification card, a Codice Fiscale card, one ATM card, one dormitory room key, one AFI driver's license, a GOV driver's license, one Flight line driver's license and one rations card. The active duty military member was unable to relocate the missing wallet. There are several factors which may have led to this active duty military member losing their wallet. These individuals should have made a better plan for their evening. Always plan ahead! Don't wait to call AADD at the end of the night for a ride home. Be responsible and don't rely on others to secure your valuable items for you. It is not their responsibility.

Aviano All Star Award :
This weeks Aviano All-Star Award goes to the individual who lost their wallet while they were at a dance club. This incident could have been prevented if the individual took responsibility for their own valuables. In this incident, the missing wallet is the least of this individual's worries. This individual now must replace all of their military driver's licenses, their military identification card, their Italian documents and their dormitory room key. If this individual had minimized the number of items they took with them and properly secured their wallet, this situation could have been avoided. 

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week:
Keep your vehicle in good running condition. Make sure there's enough gas to get where you're going and back. Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you're just leaving your car for a minute. Check inside and outside of your vehicle before getting in. Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in parking lots and underground parking garages. If you think someone is following you, don't head home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or other open business to get help. Don't pick up hitchhikers and don't hitchhike.