JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Smartphones and other personal electronic devices have
become indispensable items in this century, but they can sometimes fall in the
wrong hands due to the lack of attention of their users.
Thefts of cellphones
and wallets filled with credit cards and money at Joint Base San
Antonio-Randolph’s Rambler Fitness Center – five so far this year – have
prompted 902nd Security Forces Squadron officials to be concerned and encourage
people to better safeguard their personal belongings in public places and in
their vehicles.
“We want people to know there are precautions they can take
to avoid being the victims of theft,” Tech. Sgt. Mark Fox, 902nd SFS NCO in
charge of police services, said.
Fox said most of the thefts at the fitness center have
occurred in the gymnasium when basketball and volleyball games are played and
when patrons place belongings on bleachers or the floor.
“Don’t put your personal items in plain view,” he said.
“Lock them in a locker or leave them with someone you trust.”
Fox said the locker rooms at the fitness center are equipped
with lockers with built-in digital locks and standard lockers that people can
secure with their own locks.
“Locker rooms are vulnerable to theft, especially when
valuable items are in plain view,” he said. “In addition, gym bags are
susceptible to pilfering.
“When you use a locker room, use a lock so your items are
secured,” Fox said. “Bring your own lock if the locker doesn’t have one.”
Thefts often occur when the fitness center is busiest – in
the mid- to late afternoon, Fox said.
“The more people that are there, the more chance of items
becoming missing, especially if they’re not secured,” he said.
Fox also offered advice for people who leave valuable items
in their vehicles.
“Don’t leave them where they can be seen,” he said. “There
are two phases of security – lock your vehicle’s doors and keep your belongings
in a locked glove compartment or center console. Leaving items in plain view
can be an invitation to theft.”
Tech. Sgt. Matthew Brown, 902nd SFS NCO in charge of
operations, said the squadron has stepped up its walk-through patrols at the
fitness center.
“Officers are looking for suspicious activity,” he said. “They’re
also looking for unsecured items and educating people about locking up those
items.”
Fox said the fitness center is equipped with security
cameras, but those alone are not a deterrent to theft. It’s up to people to
secure their belongings.
“Our job is to let people know that they should be mindful
of their property at all times and use every precaution necessary to ensure its
safety,” he said.
Fox also said people who use the fitness center or go to
other public places can play a role in crime prevention.
“If you see something suspicious, notify the on-duty staff
or security forces,” he said.