How To Stop Employee Theft
Theft in the workplace occurs often either by the employee or a customer and costing business owners over a billion dollars per week. It is often hard to determine if their is employee theft, because other workers may be unwilling or deterred from snitching on their coworker. It may also be hard to catch an employee stealing, because they are familiar with the inner workings of the business and know all of the loopholes. There are a few warning signs that can alert you if your employees are stealing. Some of these being: a recent decrease in profit, unexplained shortages in inventory, rumors, and other discrepancies. If you spot that your cash drawers are coming back way shorter than normal, this may raise a few question marks regarding the last employee to use it. Make sure you are aware of all the warnings to better prepare yourself in dealing with theft.
There are a few measures that can be taken to prevent theft within your business protect you from both customer and employee theft. The first hurdle to get over is identifying that theft is already occurring. Look at the numbers and see if you have suffered a drop in profit. Recounting the drawers at the end of everyone's shifts couldn't hurt either. This way you can pinpoint the exact person with money discrepancies.
Next, after you already suspect that someone may be stealing, you should check out the spy cameras. You can find these at specialty stores or online through home security companies. It is smart to install a camera after suspecting theft because then you can determine who is the thief. Over the next few days keep a close eye on the cameras for surveillance. These cameras can be discretely hidden in objects that you already have in your workplace. It is crucial to make sure these cameras are completely hidden as to not tip off the employees. If they find out you have cameras, they can maneuver around their blind spots. The cameras can be smaller than just an inch and hidden in plain site. Getting a spy cam will be an absolute way to catch your stealing employee on tape.