Private investigators have the ability to design a corporate investigation and work through it to meet your company’s exact need, from simple misconduct in the workplace all the way to fraud and embezzlement. For many reasons, corporate investigations have become a necessity. Though some corporate investigations are preemptive, such as due diligence, other investigations are proactive such as employee misconduct and time theft, general workplace incidents and fraudulent activity. With this in mind, we at Advanced Private Investigators & Security of Miami, FL would like to discuss the common ways employees steal from their employers.
What Do Employees Steal from Their Employers?
1) Money. Fraud is a general term that can apply to the types of theft listed. In this application, fraud can account for monetary gain from implementing an embezzlement scheme or even an employee periodically stealing directly from the cash register. In any case, having a private investigator conduct an investigation to find the root of the problem and collect needed evidence to pursue legal action is highly beneficial in stopping this theft.
2) Merchandise & Intellectual Property. This goes beyond common retail chains that employ a loss prevention team in each store that is in charge of investigating external and internal risks and losses that happen in their stores. In addition to retail stores, automobile manufacturers, software companies, and other businesses that want to keep their ideas to themselves as well as other intellectual property can be victimized as well. Whether the theft is products and merchandise or intellectual property and ideas, a trained private investigator can find the culprit.
3) Personal Possessions. Commonly lost or stolen items in the workplace include watches, wallets, cellphones, other jewelry and technological devices, and even clothing. Unfortunately, coworkers are likely the person stealing personal items. Where in many instances these issues never get solved unless the guilty admit their crimes, a private investigator working undercover in the workplace can often resolve the matter.
4) Office Supplies & Equipment. When items go missing from the stock room, breakroom or other places in the building, it can be hard to accept a staff member is responsible for the loss. Workplace theft is actually on the rise according to recent studies. Office supplies like reams of paper, post-it notes, and staplers as well as pens and pencils are commonly stolen from work. Businesses that feature kitchens for their employees can also see silverware, napkins, cups, coffee mugs, and plates disappear. Though companies may see such items as frivolous and unimportant, it is better to investigate the issue and nip it in the bud than to sit back and do nothing. Not addressing stealing can lead to a larger and bolder theft such as stealing electronic devices and more.
5) Time. From sleeping on the job, working from home and not really working, or even unsupervised travel can all give employees time to be on the clock without putting in any actual work. When these special privileges are offered, sometimes trust is misplaced, and the honor system is taken advantage of. Over time, theft in a physical workplace is also common. When these issues occur, a professional private investigator can find the answers to the issue.
Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach & Miami Gardens Florida
When your company needs help with loss prevention, call the professionals of Advanced Private Investigators & Security of Miami, FL and let us help you weed out the dishonest employees and ensure your company is protected.
