Employee Theft – Atlanta Georgia

In a study done over half a decade ago it had been estimated that employee theft costs U.S. companies 17.6 billion dollars a year. This figure sent the industry into an uproar and it was widely accepted that dishonest employees posed the most significant threat to a company’s profitability. This was before our current economic state; before widespread unemployment and $4.00/ gallon at the pumps for gasoline, so where do you think we’re at today?

Employee theft is at an all-time high and shows no sign of declining. Therefore, it is the mandate of the loss prevention professionals to reduce the opportunity, desire and motivation for this type of crime. When it comes to motivation there are 3 ways to accomplish this: Prosecute, prosecute, prosecute! Showing a deep and unwavering commitment to fighting shrink by holding the culprits responsible and prosecuting thieves at all levels (whether shoplifters, internal thieves, etc.) to the fullest extent of the law sends a message to everyone in the organization. That message? There will be no slaps on the wrists. If caught stealing you WILL be terminated and you WILL go to jail, no exceptions.

Audit all of your processes, especially receiving and cash handling, frequently. Use both announced and unannounced checks. This has a tendency of keeping everyone on their toes. Not only will they see that the opportunity to steal isn’t there, but you will also find that your business runs smoother because everyone is doing exactly what they should be doing at all times because there’s no telling when or where the boss may pop up. The desire to steal is inherent in certain individuals. These people will always seek out ways to beat the system. The best way to get rid of these people is not to hire them in the first place, which is why a comprehensive pre-employment screening is vital to preventing employee theft.

For more information contact us at Employee Theft or call 1.770.426.0547