An Ounce of Prevention

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Baumeyer
  • 82nd Security Forces Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  On a Saturday morning, you step out of your residence in base housing to find that your driver's side window of your vehicle has been broken out. Upon further exploring the inside of your vehicle, you discover your CD case containing all of your favorite CDs is missing along with the envelope you kept in your console which contained your minor children's Social Security cards, military identification cards, and shot records.

The above is an extreme scenario, but not impossible. Although we feel safe and secure in the confines of the Sheppard perimeter, crime still does occur. Recently, there have been some occurrences of vandalism to privately owned vehicles on base. With this said, below are some recommended practices to prevent becoming a victim of vandalism or theft.

- Lock the doors and close the windows when you exit your vehicle. It does not matter how long you will be away from your vehicle.

- When parking at home, always park in the garage. If you don't have a garage, attempt to park in a well-lit, open place.

- Keep your car keys in a safe place, even within your home, so that no one may access your vehicle.

- Install an alarm. It's a great deterrence to thieves. Also, consider purchasing an immobilizer or other security device.

- Don't leave items on display, including CD cases and valuable property that is tempting to thieves.

- Don't store valuables or important documents in your vehicle.

- Don't leave your keys in your vehicle while it's unattended.

This simple advice might just be enough to deter a thief or vandal from targeting your vehicle. If you witness any suspicious activity or require assistance, please obtain all identifying information available such as the license plate number and descriptive information of suspicious individuals, immediately contact the 82nd Security Forces Squadron Base Defense Operations Center at 676-2981 or 676-2982. An ounce of prevention, in this case, results in you not becoming the victim.