What is required in the event of a property loss due to theft?

In the event of property loss due to theft, it is essential to file a police report and promptly report the loss to higher authorities. This action serves multiple purposes: it creates an official record of the theft for law enforcement to investigate, assists in potential recovery of the stolen items, and ensures that the proper military chain of command is informed and can take necessary actions. Timely reporting is crucial in managing accountability and compliance with military property management policies.

While collecting witness statements can be helpful, it is not mandated as a primary step in the reporting process for theft. Similarly, replacing the property or conducting a review of all property records are important actions, but they follow the immediate need for law enforcement involvement and notification within the command structure. Therefore, the requirement to file a police report and notify higher authorities underscores the urgency and importance of addressing the theft properly from both a legal and procedural standpoint.