Detecting theft can be difficult, especially if the thief is good at what he or she does.
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Remember, even if you suspect an employee of theft, you should not accuse the employee until you have proof. A wrong accusation could cause irreparable damage to your relationship with other employees and to your business. It can also be expensive if the accused employee sues you for slander.
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Here are some things to be on the lookout for if you suspect that an employee is stealing from you:
- Look for unusual occurrences in the workplace such as:
- discrepancies of cash amounts
- missing merchandise or supplies
- vehicles parked close to exits, i.e., an employee's vehicle parked in a loading area
- unlocked exits
- Watch the employee's behavior for:
- unusual working hours
- poor work performance
- unjustified complaints about employment
- defensiveness when reporting on work
- an unexplained close relationship with, or unjustified favoritism by, a supplier or customer
- a personal lifestyle that doesn't match salary
If you suspect an employee of theft, read our discussion of how to handle the situation.