The Source for Navy News

Lock It Up!
Story Number: NNS130412-15
4/12/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lorenzo J. Burleson, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- It is important for Sailors to work and live in a safe environment. One of the ways Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) can ensure security is by locking up personal possessions and reporting any suspicious activities.

"There is no better way to keep your stuff safe than by locking it up," said Master-At-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Tony Burrell, Security Department's leading petty officer. "When you secure your valuables, you significantly decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim."

Though reports of theft on board Truman are low, Burrell said a significant number of reported cases occur when Sailors keep their racks or lockers unlocked in unattended living spaces.

"People are most likely to get a hold of your possessions when they venture into berthings that are not their own," said Burrell. "Sailors should always be cognizant of others not normally seen in their living space."

One of the leading causes of theft occurs when Sailors mistakenly leave their valuables unattended, said Master-At-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Mark Greer.
"Keeping your key under your pillow or inside your rack is not secure," said Greer. "Many Sailors say they believed they had their racks locked when they really left them unlocked. Other times Sailors' possessions are stolen when they leave them in the open or on top of their racks."

Items often targeted include cell phones and electronic devices, said Greer. Since these items are abundant and can be resold, it's important that Sailors are mindful where they are placed.

"There are seldom reports of stolen jewelry because jewelry is more personal and can be identified by a specific marking," said Greer. "It's mostly cell phones and electronic devices that are stolen because nearly everyone owns one, which makes them difficult to identify from others."

Securing your items and maintaining good situational awareness greatly decreases chances of theft.

"It all comes down to Sailors being accountable for their things," said Anthony Ruta, Naval Criminal Investigative Service afloat special agent. "When Sailors become complacent with their possessions, more thefts are reported. Our Sailors work too hard to have their possessions fall into the wrong hands."

Ruta said with an increase in responsibility, awareness, and the purchase of locks, he is confident the number of reported cases on board can fall even lower.

"We should be mindful that we are an organization of trust and when a theft is committed, it decreases the morale of the ship's crew," said Ruta. "The only way we can stop theft on board is by taking responsibility for our items and safeguarding others by reporting suspicious activity."



For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.