Tips To Help Prevent Employee Theft
Most small business owners know to take steps against robbery and shoplifting, but sometimes they overlook one of the more common causes of losses – employee theft. Employee theft can take many different forms, from outright embezzlement of cash, to stealing product or giving unauthorized freebies or discounts out to friends and family. The following security tips can help you guard against this form of theft.
Tip #1: Staff for oversight
One of the simplest ways to cut down on theft is to make sure there are always two employees on duty. This can help minimize the temptation to steal, if the employee is afraid of the other staff member witnessing the event. It can also cut down on the chances of a faked robbery, where an employee steals cash and then concocts a story of armed burglary.
Tip #2: Place cameras strategically
Cameras aimed at common theft points, including cash registers and safes, can help minimize theft. It's a good idea to have the recordings archived digitally in a manner that can be accessed off-site and cannot be tampered with on-site. This means using a modern digital system, as opposed to an older on-site recording device system. Make sure the shop is covered evenly, otherwise employees can learn the "blind spots" of the cameras if they are intent on stealing.
Tip #3: Use personalized store codes
Installing a security system is a must to prevent after-hours robberies, and it can also be used to help minimize employee theft. Assign each employee a personalized code and do not use the same code for more than one person. If a code is used to access the store after it is closed and a theft occurs, you will be able to pinpoint who did it. Make it clear that everyone has personal codes that they must keep private to help minimize the temptation to come into the business after hours. You can use similar personal codes for each person with safe access, as well.
Tip #4: Switch to security locks
Security locks don't use a traditional key. There are several different varieties of these locks. One variety uses a key with a transponder chip. This makes it difficult to copy the key, and the key only works if the chip is still active in the system. This allows you to "turn off" a key that is lost or isn't returned after an employee leaves the position. Other options include those that use a personal code to unlock the door or an employee badge as an entry card. Both can be deactivated if necessary.
Contact a commercial security firm for more help in preventing theft.