Cop's Corner Published Feb. 15, 2008 By Staff Reports 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Feb. 8 An active duty military member reported someone stole their deployment bag. About six months ago, the Airman returned from a deployment and secured their bag in a storage area with a padlock. When they went to retrieve their gear, they found it was missing. As disappointing as it may be, there are some thieves among us and even deployment bags are targets. The best advice we can give it to check in on all of your storage areas in your living area frequently.. Feb. 9 An Aviano family member reported someone broke into their vehicle while it was parked and unattended near Lake Barcis. The thief no doubt saw the purse IN PLAIN VIEW inside the vehicle and broke the car window. The thief stole the purse with family member's licenses, ID card, a check book, credit cards, debit cards, a cell phone, sunglasses and two books of stamps. Seems like there is an event like this every week doesn't it? We're not making this stuff up folks, people get their vehicles broken into all the time, and it has been happening quite often near Lake Barcis. Keep your valuables with you. If you're going to leave them in your car, at least consider hiding items under the seat or in the trunk. Otherwise, you're setting yourself up to be a victim. Feb. 9 An Aviano family member reported someone broke into their car and stole a 200 liter gas coupon book. Well, at least this person didn't leave their purse in their vehicle. However, this theft cost the victim $222 in gas coupons! You wouldn't leave $200 cash in plain view in your car (unless you really want the bonehead award) so we recommend you safeguard gas coupons like your cash. Feb. 9 An Airman reported they lost their ID card and a credit card. This Airman knew it was a good idea to only carry the bare essentials while out at nightclubs, so the Airman only carried the ID card and credit card. Where the Airman went wrong was leaving the cards in a coat pocket and walking away from the coat in a crowded club! What were you thinking? It is a wise move to only take some of your valuables with you to a night club. However taking them with you does little good if you're going to leave them unattended. Keep them on your person, preferably in a side or closed pocket. Our Blotter Bonehead award this week was tough to decide, the family member who failed to heed our previous warnings about leaving items in plain view in cars at Lake Barcis or the Airman who left ID card and credit card in coat pocket and walked away. This week, it is reader's choice, so in the spirit of election year, we will let you decide who wins this week!