Something strange seems to be happening at your business. Perhaps the register till figurately appears light at the end of the night. Maybe the books are not quite balanced, though not significantly enough to raise an alarm. Or items seem to be selling at a pace that has outpaced your inventory tracking.
Whether a business owner has harbored thoughts of employee theft for two weeks or two months, it is time to investigate whether they have a dishonest employee amongst their ranks. Savvy staff could be pilfering from your pocket a little at a time over a long period. That money adds up, whether the business owner realizes it or not.
Such thievery may not be limited to cash. Employees may use card skimmers during their shifts to record customer’s credit or debit card data. The culprit can then go on an illicit spending spree and drain their accounts or sell your customer’s information to others with bad intentions.
Taking preventive action is critical to stave off employee theft and minimize damage. As hard as it may be, consider no one beyond suspicion. It may be that the new kid may is committing the crime, but it is also possible that the offender is who you thought was your must trusted, longstanding and loyal worker.
This is also the time to install security cameras, or, if you already use them, to ensure that they are in strategic locations. In addition to scoping the shelves, business owners should have cameras at every angle possible near the register. This can be done to watch employees’ actions in addition to thieving customers.
Business owners should also perform regular audits. You may notice small discrepancies here and there. An audit could determine that theft is adding up to the loss of hundreds of dollars or more over time.
Once you know something is wrong, you need to approach your employees. Gathering your staff to remind them of your business’ theft policies and encouraging them to speak up if they witness suspicious behavior may immediately stop a worker’s thievery for fear of getting caught.
You can also speak in private to an employee whose honesty is in doubt. Try using a calm and objective approach. Use “I” statements such as, ‘I feel that something may be wrong,’ rather than direct accusations. This is more likely to elicit honest responses.
Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What do you think might be happening?’ You may also notice visual clues. If the staffer doesn’t make eye contact or acts nervously, it can be a telltale sign of guilt.
Though it may be against your nature, listen to the employee carefully. There may be mitigating circumstances as to why they turned to theft. It is, of course, up to you how to punish the employee, including termination and pressing charges.
Using technology to its fullest, planning candid yet calm discussions and keeping an eagle eye on employees when something is amiss can go a long way toward deterring staff theft in a productive manner.
