Employee Theft & Internal Fraud

Fraud committed by employees against their employer is estimated to cost the U.K. economy in excess of £1.2bn a year (2008 figures). We are experienced in carrying out internal employee investigations where evidence of a fraud or theft comes to light prior to any criminal investigation being made. Our investigative officers are fully PACE trained, ensuring that evidence uncovered during internal investigations is admissible in any later proceedings.

We provide advice on a consultancy basis on implementing security policies to identify and combat theft or fraud in the workplace and are experienced in dealing with whistleblowing investigations, offering an alternative, often cheaper than instructing solicitors, in providing an independent internal employment investigation service.

Employee theft in the workplace is a major issue for any business. Some disturbing facts are :-

  • The British Retail Consortium recently reported that retail theft in 2009 amounted to some £426 million and that over 50% of this related to employee theft.
  • According to research by G4S an estimated 1 in 10 retail employees may be guilty of  theft.
  • Whilst retail is the obvious area for theft by employees, all business types are affected.

Types of employment related theft can include :-

  • Money

Money is one of the most common assets that are stolen from employers.

  • Time

Theft of time occurs when an employee is paid for time which they did not work. Usually this happens through the falsifying of time records. Technically, theft of time can also include employees who are not working while on the job, though legally this is more difficult to prove.

  • Supplies

Theft of supplies is another prevalent form of employee theft. Common examples of this form of theft are office supplies (paper, computers, cabinets, etc.) and restaurant supplies (food, condiments, silverware, etc.).

  • Merchandise and company property

Theft of merchandise refers to products that are to be sold. A good example of theft of company property is product displays.

  • Information

This is probably the most damaging of all the forms of theft. Common examples of this are theft of product design, customer lists or data and trade secrets. Businesses should be fully aware of how theft of information can cripple their business operations.

How can we help ?

Loss prevention is obviously the preferred solution and proper and full employment screening will disclose a prospective employee’s past and whether they have lied on their application. If they have, can they really be trusted generally ? We provide cost effective and thorough employment screening services.

In the event an employee problem has already materialised, we have highly experienced and skilled investigators able to discreetly investigate suspected employee misconduct and to assist with whistleblowing and other internal employment related investigations, whether misconduct related or otherwise. In service industries, our computer forensics experts can often locate evidence of potential impropriety rapidly, discreetly and cost effectively.

Please contact us for a confidential discussion on any of the above matters.