TOP STORY > >Crime in base housing drops, thanks to cops, vigilance

By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

An increase in crime at Little Rock Air Force Base had been plaguing servicemembers living in base housing from January to June. Most of the crimes were reported in March and April.

“Recently there was a spike in personal property thefts at Little Rock AFB’s housing area, which affected more than 20 families losing high value items out of their vehicles, including the theft of a vehicle,” said Capt. Robert Shaw, 19th Security Forces Squadron operations officer.

Security forces statistics show a total of 25 thefts reported in base housing this year, which is unusually high compared to past years.

“Twenty one break-ins were reported throughout March and April 2009 alone,” said Captain Shaw. “Over the past seven years, the base has averaged 3.5 thefts in March and five in April.”

The thefts were investigated by Rodney Kizzia and Adam Neely, 19th SFS investigators and Jacksonville Police Department due to civilian involvement in the crimes.

“Two of the three suspects were non-military affiliated and were brought on base by family members of servicemembers,” said Investigator Kizzia.

As a reminder to base personnel, the current sponsorship age is 18 and servicemembers must be aware of whom they and their dependents are sponsoring onto base. The responsible military member is held accountable for all actions of their dependents and guests.

“Due to the 19th SFS arrests and help from base housing residents, property theft trends have dramatically reduced,” said Captain Shaw. “There was only one reported property theft in May and none in June.”

Any visitor requesting a visitor pass must present a valid driver’s license, state-issued registration and either personal or corporate-issued liability insurance. No visitor will be issued a pass without the sponsor present. Passes may be issued for up to five days. If the pass is needed for longer than five days, the sponsor and visitor must report to the pass and registration office at Bldg. 1255 with their pass issued from the visitor’s center.

According to the Security Forces investigation team, even with the downward trend in property thefts, Airmen should remember to secure their personal items and lock their homes and vehicles to deter criminals from targeting them.

“It’s extremely important for everyone to remain vigilant and lock up valuables as this will deter most property thefts,” said Investigator Kizzia.

They should also report suspicious activity to the law enforcement desk at 987-3221 or crimes in progress to the crime stop line at 987-6600.

“Everyone can do their part to prevent crime and keep members of Team Little Rock safe,” said Captain Shaw.