Employee theft ranges from taking office supplies to misuse of company resources. Theft typically involves physically taking something without permission.
Protect your business with a strong Disciplinary Policy
Theft should be included as an example of gross misconduct in any disciplinary policy, making employees aware of the seriousness of the offence.
What is theft in the workplace?
Common examples include:
- Stealing cash or property.
- Unauthorised use of company resources, such as giving family discounts.
- Using a company card for personal expenses.
How to identify theft at work
Red flags include things like discrepancies in an inventory, unexplained variances in payroll, or tips from colleagues through whistleblowing procedures.
3 steps to handle theft allegations
- Investigate thoroughly
Gather evidence, such as financial records or CCTV footage. Consider hiring a forensic expert to preserve digital evidence. - Follow due process
Conduct a fair investigation and disciplinary hearing. Ensure the accused employee has a chance to explain their actions. - Report to police?
Depending on the severity of the crime, you may want to report the theft to law enforcement. Read our helpful blog, linked below. If you work in a regulated industry, transparency may be essential.
Further reading
When to call the police in a disciplinary process – 7 steps – Hunter Law
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The team at Hunter Law is here for you. We can handle your HR issues, finesse your policies, and keep you up-to-date on evolving legislation. Please get in touch with our legal team, we’d love to help.
