Many retail loss prevention experts agree, and numerous studies confirm, that the largest percentage of shrink – unexplained inventory losses – and cash shortages are caused by employee theft, which is why so many use a background check company for pre hire screening.

The question retailers having a problem with employee theft might ask themselves is: Did I hire a thief or did my policies and procedures encourage an honest person to steal?

An employer can’t know for certain what is in the mind of his potential employee. But he can check into the employee’s past to determine if there is a propensity for property crimes like theft, or crimes of violence such as assault and/or battery through a search conducted by a background check company.

The past of an applicant can be revealed by a criminal history check in the jurisdiction where the applicant resides by an examination of public records relating to arrests, convictions, and sentences handed down by the courts. Although a past record is not an absolute indicator of future actions, it can be argued that a person with multiple arrests for similar types of crimes might be expected to revert to that behavior at some point.

A person’s history of drug or alcohol abuse might also be revealed.

If your employees have access to your property and cash, or have contact with the public, a background investigation can reduce a business owner’s losses as well as his possible liability for an employee’s actions.

It makes sense to start with an honest employee.

Go to Background Screening to learn more about incorporating a background check company into your pre hire screening.