Theft by a trusted employee strikes again and employer strikes back!

A recent Employment Relations Authority case highlights the risk businesses face from theft by highly respected long term employees.

A manager of a food outlet was convicted of stealing $80 from the till. He had been employed as the manager for 20 years and the employer suspected that up to $100,000 may have been taken, but lacked the proof.

Security cameras installed once suspicions were raised showed the manager’s hand in the till.

An interesting point for employers no doubt will be that as well as dismissing the manager the employer went to the ERA for orders to recover the costs of the security investigation and legal costs, and was awarded $9,000.

Many employee thefts occur because of a lack of checks on employees who have control over funds.

There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of fraud occurring or detect it early. If you would like assistance call Alan Knowsley for a free initial chat.