Preventing Staff Theft Arguably, prevention is better than surveillance as staff will feel that they are constantly under observation and suspicion. Having a good disciplinary policy to deal with theft is the best approach to prevention as staff will be aware of the consequences to make them think twice about conducting a crime.
Such a policy should underline the disciplinary action for a member of staff being found guilty whether it is suspension, fine or commonly, dismissal. Make sure that the policy is known by all staff: create a poster or compile an employee handbook. If you have a managerial hierarchy in the business, you should make sure that all those higher in command set a good example to those they are responsible for. Make all your staff feel valued by the business and ensure that their contributions are rewarded (with praise if not financially). This may be done through an employee appraisal system. You should make it clear to staff what they are entitled to in terms of using business resources such as the Internet and phone calls for personal use. This way, they have no excuse to say that they were unaware of breaking business rules. Put a block on long distance calling, or if it is needed regularly, ask all employees to record their usage so that it can be verified on the bill. For those small businesses that have large premises, you could give authorized access only to certain areas of the building. By doing so, it will allow only the staff that have a reason to be there to use the facility and should any issues arise, it will narrow down the list of suspects. This may also reduce the chance of unauthorized employees getting hold of important information or equipment that they may try to sell to third parties. For the majority of staff that are honest, loyal workers, it is will be hard for them to accept that they may be a potential suspect if any issues arise. Therefore, it is down to your staff to identify when an offence has been committed and report it to you with complete confidentiality. By doing so, all employees work together to put themselves in a better working environment and reduce the need for many of the actions listed to be integrated. One of the most affective steps to preventing staff theft can be taken when you employ someone new. You should question any mysterious gaps or sudden endings of employment in their CV: this is why it is important for employers to follow up on references. This is particularly important if they will be dealing with your finance or using expensive equipment. If they find it difficult to return a reasonable explanation, it could be a sign that they are hiding the truth, in which case you should investigate the persons background in more detail (but be sure it does not break the law). Keep regular checks on equipment and stock and record who is responsible for using and handling such. This way, it is much easier to trace who may be responsible for any acts of theft and when it occurred. On all equipment (where appropriate), brand your name or business name so that it is easily identifiable if it is recovered or attempted to be sold. Surveillance If you have to read this section with extreme consideration, it may be that you do have a serious problem with staff theft in your business. Such security measures should only be adopted if theft is getting out of hand, as staff will feel nervous and threatened by constant surveillance. The most common form of surveillance is security cameras. You should note that it is illegal not to inform staff that they are under surveillance although cameras can be well hidden. Staff may welcome the use of security cameras if they have been a victim of theft by other employees in the past making them feel safer in the workplace. Using metal detectors to scan staff at the end of the day or checking their bags is another approach but can only be conducted if the staff give their permission. If they allow this, anybody that refuses to be searched in the future may be hiding something. Article Index 1. Avoiding Staff Theft 2. Preventing Staff Theft 3. Investigating Staff Theft |
