Member concerned about storage lot thefts

  • Published
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska --  Q: I know this has been brought up in the past but I need to bring it up again.

I currently rent a 15-foot space at the Persimmon storage lot on base.

Today I went to get my four-wheelers to go riding, only to find out someone had stolen the throttle, but left all the hardware. Outdoor Recreation says they are not responsible for that, and that's what our insurance is for. I can understand that to a degree. But having a combo lock on the gate opens up the lot for a parts salvage yard. I know we are supposed to close and lock the gate behind us as we come in and go out, but reality is that some will not do that. When the gate is left open, the combo is then exposed to whoever wants to get it.

After that, all they have to do is come back at three in the morning to take whatever fancies them. I just got off the phone with security forces and there have been three thefts in that lot over the last 24-hours alone. Why can't I park them on my property in base housing?

If it's in the back yard, covered up neatly and on concrete not killing the grass, what's the problem?

I had one in my backyard when I first got here and had it on the concrete patio, covered and I got written up.

There also used to be a storage area in Cherry Hill that was available to the tenants. After Aurora took over, they tore it out and planted grass. What was the purpose of that?

So now we can't store it in the storage lot in Cherry Hill, we can't have it on our property in base housing, unless it's in the garage, and if we park it at any of the RV storage lots, our property gets stolen.

I shouldn't have to go through this at any storage lot, let alone one on an Air Force installation. I never write in unless I have some sort of proposal.

I know they have been brought up in the past by others, but all I can think to do is suggest them again.

1) Put an electric gate on all the storage lots that require a code or a swipe-card to enter. With it automatically closing, this would prevent potential thieves from entering. It would also aid physically disabled people from having to push the heavy gate open and closed.

2) Put small storage lots in the housing areas like Cherry Hill used to have. This would be a high visibility area, thus making it harder for thieves to get in and out. It would also be much easier for individuals to check on their equipment, making the window of opportunity smaller for crime.

3) Allow ATVs and snow machines to be stored in base housing as long as they are on paved areas, not in the street. If stored outside, they should be in complete running condition, and not parted out. If in the back yards or in the driveways for extended periods, they must be covered to present a neat appearance to the housing area.

I find it hard to believe that the base can not or will not make one of these suggestions work. Eielson AFB has rules that are similar and I know for a fact that they allow ATVs and snow machines in base housing as long as they are on paved surfaces and not in the grass killing it.

Please look at all possibilities ... something has got to be done about this. Thank you for your attention on this matter.

A: Thank you for your input highlighting problems we're having at our RV storage lots.

I find it troubling that we have seen a rise in thefts and vandalism and can assure you that we have been working to improve the security of the lots.

The services squadron is already planning to install new gate systems at each of the three RV Lots on Elmendorf.

The new system will facilitate easier customer access as well as provide other features that facilitate management of these lots.

However, limited funding has precluded any of these systems being installed to date. We hope to begin installation of this new system in at least one of the lots in May 2007.

With regard to storage lots at housing, there are negative aspects to keep in mind.

As you noted, Cherry Hill housing used to have a storage lot; however, the general consensus was that it was an "eyesore" and the activity associated with the lot caused a disturbance for those nearest the lot.

We have located our three large lots away from housing specifically for these reasons and we are working to expand one of our lots (near DRMO) to reduce the waiting list.

Lastly, if we allow ATVs and snow machines to be parked permanently in housing, it can quickly detract from the appearance in your neighborhoods.

Note that provisions in the Aurora Family Housing brochure do allow temporary presence of ATVs and snow machines in housing areas.

We have found that determining when a vehicle is in "complete running condition and not parted out" can be very subjective and difficult to enforce. I believe this policy improves the quality of life within the housing areas. For further assistance on ATVs and snowmobiles, please contact Aurora Military Family Housing, 753-1023.