Employee Theft: An Unauthorized Benefit in Atlanta Georgia

Employee theft often comes as a surprise and a shock to a business owner who discovers that he’s become a victim.  The employer frequently feels betrayed, particularly if the theft occurred from a small business, because the thief is someone almost like family, well liked and trusted.  The employer thinks that here is someone who he gave a job to, paid a fair wage, advised and trained and is repaid by having money taken from his pocket by a thief.

So why do employees steal and what can an employer do to soften the blow?  First the employer should know whom he is hiring.  Even if the applicant is Aunt Fanny’s preacher’s cousin, the wise employer is going to check his background and talk to some former employers.  Ask the right questions during the interview to be sure the applicant is going to fit in to the organization with as little baggage as possible.

Employees may steal to support a habit – alcohol, drugs, gambling, boy or girlfriends; there may be a legitimate need for more money – illness, fire, accident, or some other tragedy; there may be simple greed – just wanting things that aren’t affordable; perceived injustice – an expected raise that doesn’t come through, a disciplinary action, or reduction in hours.  Any number of things may cause and employee to steal from work.  After all, what easier place is there to steal from than one the thief is familiar with and everyone knows and trusts him?

Because an owner can’t be everywhere at once, and because a certain amount of delegation is necessary, employee theft is going to happen.

What does an owner do if he suspects internal theft may be going on?  As hard as it will be to do, the problem must be faced objectively.  In the words of Deputy Barney Fife of Mayberry, “You’ve got to nip it… Nip it in the bud!”

An employee theft investigation is a specialized type of criminal investigation that requires a certain kind of mindset to conduct.  The loss prevention investigator is part cop, part businessman, and part auditor.  He or she will gather and assess the evidence of the crime, whether it’s merchandise or money.  After that, a plan of action might be surveillance, witness interviews, or maybe interviews with those suspected of the criminal acts.

Frequently, it’s better for a business owner to use a qualified loss prevention investigator to conduct the employee theft investigation as an objective outside and experienced source.  The loss prevention investigator will advise the owner of the steps that can and should be taken to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion, from restitution to prosecution, efficiently and economically.

Call 770-426-0547 to discuss employee theft with an experienced loss prevention investigator in Atlanta Georgia or click here for more information.