18th Security Forces Squadron offers crime prevention tips Published Feb. 9, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- It only takes a few seconds, but those few seconds can save your belongings and provide peace of mind. With incidents of property theft slightly on the rise, Security Forces officials are urging base residents to be more vigilant in protecting their possessions. According to 18th Security Forces Intelligence Superintendent, Master Sgt. Christopher Walker, locking your car and home is one of the surest and simplest ways to prevent theft. According to Sergeant Walker, the three factors that contribute to crime are opportunity, willingness and ability. He urges Kadena residents to eliminate the link in that chain that they can control - opportunity. The sergeant advises Kadena residents not to leave valuables in their cars, or if they must, ensure the items are not visible. Some of the most common items stolen from vehicles are wallets, purses and portable electronic devices. Locking up your home, whether you are inside or not, is equally important, Master Sgt. Walker said. "When we ask people to lock up their valuables," he said. "it's not only when away from home, but we urge them to lock up when at home as well." Some base residents have a false sense of security, but records show that more crimes are committed when a house is unlocked, said Mr. Matt Rossoni, 18th Security Forces Squadron security specialist. The only way to combat the crimes is to practice good crime prevention measures, he added. If base residents increase their vigilance and do the simple things like locking their doors and not leaving valuables in plain sight, Security Forces officials are confident that thefts will decrease. "The more elements you remove from the equation, the better your chances are of not becoming a victim," said Sergeant Walker. If you see someone breaking into a home or car on base, immediately call the 18th Security Forces Squadron Control Center at 634-2475.