HOW TO INVESTIGATE THEFT IN THE WORKPLACE, PART III

In Part II we discussed theft of time and made reference to other thefts committed by employees.

In this issue we can examine in brief thefts committed by staff. That can be a theft of items which in essence are simply removed off site. It is a misconception to believe that these are just committed by blue collar workers, security or cleaning staff, although these are often amongst the offenders. We have a multitude of operations whereby the thefts have been committed by white collar staff including senior managers and Board members.

We have seen a rise in theft from employers over the last 6 months especially as the credit crunch takes hold and begins to effect peoples' lives.

Not only are individuals looking to support their income but also looking at others who will wish to purchase items at a reduced rate to increase profit margins if in business or get a ‘better deal' if a private purchase.

There is a market place for almost every item from flooring, flat pack furniture, precision ball bearings, automotive parts and aggregate. No industry sector is immune. We find a lot of thefts where cash is present, either in tills, cash floats or even that which is stolen from staff drawers and lockers and private bags.

Some thefts are random and some are organised, some a one off and some habitual. Often the company or organisation concerned will not know that they are the subject of thefts unless someone does something inadvertent to draw attention on themselves or another staff member who is aware sends an anonymous note to the company. There are often cases whereby neighbours or family will send anonymous notes to the victim company.

Web based sales sites are also a place whereby information can be gleaned and often successful test purchases which we make reveal the extent of a theft. With our investigative skill base and techniques it is often possible to identify the offenders from their web details.

In a recent theft which was successfully dealt with via a surveillance operation the company had been unaware and ‘back tracking' the thefts they were in excess of £50 000.00 in 6 months. This is not uncommon.

Whatever the style and level of theft there is always a manner in which to investigate or deal with it.

At Expert Investigations we will discuss with the client the best option, whether it be:

  • PREVENTION
  • DETECTION
  • DISINFORMATION
  • DISRUPTION

Or usually a combination. We will always discuss the need for a risk assessment in order to prevent the thefts reoccurring and introduce some simple security advice and procedures.

With our vast knowledge we can utilise any lawful method to conduct an investigation using

  • SURVEILLANCE & OBSERVATIONS
  • COVERT VEHICLE TRACKING
  • COMPUTER DATA MINING
  • INTERVIEW TEAMS
  • COVERT CAMERA (hidden in plug sockets, smoke alarms and filing cabinet)

It is imperative to realise that you, your company and  / or your organisation are vulnerable whether you be in manufacturing, service (public or private) or charity and investigations although may seem not the first option it is the most proactive and will bring cost effective success.

Whilst we will work in conjunction with or separate to the Police Service the main priority for Expert Investigations is our commitment of integrity, compassion and dedication to your issue and as recently stated by Richard Bilton, BBC reporter with whom we recently worked on a series called ‘Whose Watching You'…he summed it all up in his documentary with his words:

"There is no doubt that Expert Investigations are a highly professional organisation, but I cannot help thinking they have become an alternative to the Police"

Yes we are……a cost effective proactive alternative.

David Kearns, MD, Expert Investigations