THEFT

Theft takes many forms in a business and is sometimes referred to as shrinkage or leakage.

It can include straightforward theft by customers and opportunists, staff pilferage, dishonest delivery staff, inefficiency in terms of paperwork, breakage, returns and so on...

The causes of such theft include inadequately trained staff, insufficient management, poor layout, lax supervision and working practices and, of course, greed.

Meaures to control theft include:

> Staff training in detection of thieves and use of surveillance methods, including internal CCTV systems

> Good layout to minimise blind spots, eliminating high displays that obstruct vision or use of convex and two-way mirrors

> Use of loop alarm systems and security chains both to secure goods and valuable equipment and to act as a deterrent

> Maintaining a crime pattern analysis system, recording information such as where and where a crime took place, what was taken and what were the circumstances. The more information that can be gathered the better as this may help police identify suspects and gather evidence

> Links to other businesses locally in order to pool information. Watch schemes provide the most appropriate means of achieving this.

> Implementing a call round, radio or pager-alert system with a planned chain of communication between businesses in the immediate area. Information can be passed on immediately if it is likely that the other businesses may be able to help or made aware of a particular problem.

> Management promoting security by showing a good example to staff with someone in a senior position responsible for implementing safeguards against pilfering

Finally, it is important that all members of staff and regular visititors are reminded of their responsibility to help prevent crime including, safeguarding business property, guarding against assaults and the theft of personal belongings. Ensure there is broad awareness of:

> The company's policy on reporting assaults, disturbances, theft, damage or burglary

> The cost of crime to their company and consequently themselves, for example lower profits mean lower pay in wages and bonuses

Management and staff should be encouraged to offer ideas on good practice. Every suggestion should be considered. If any proposals are not taken up then the reasons for their rejection must be explained to the proposer(s).

Cooperation comes from personal involvement and this is a powerful means of encouraging individuals to share in the task.

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