Working Life > Workplace > Theft at Work

Theft at Work

Definition, Explanation

The equipment in offices, working rooms, factory buildings and laboratories tempt some people to steal. Thefts are not only committed by non-employees but in the most cases by employees. As a result, large damage is incurred, distrust among employees increases and leads to a drastic reduction in the working atmosphere.

The stolen goods are purses, wallets, credit cards and bankcards, tools, working materials down to mobile phones and computers. In hospitals, medicine and drugs are stolen. Even the stealing of office supplies is not a peccadillo, but can in fact be seen as theft. In cases of theft, immediate dismissal without prior warning is possible.

Tips, Checklist

• Never leave valuables lying around at work but always take them with you or lock them up
• Take your purse out of your jacket or coat if it is hanging in a publicly accessible cloakroom. Otherwise you are acting carelessly
• Lock your office when you leave it even for short periods. Do not leave the key on the outside
• Be on the watch when you see strangers at work. Address them and enquire about their reason for being there
• Never take office supplies home with you without your employer's permission. This also applies to alleged rubbish that can possible be recycled
• Be mindful of labelling of company items like computer, spare parts, tools, in order to lost items more easily
• Never take more cash or cheques with you than you really need
• Handle office keys with care. Do not label them and do not leave them in your parked car or clothing in the cloakroom. This also applies to bank- and credit cards – do not note passwords on them
• As employer:
  • Make use of the technical possibilities of access control. Make sure non-employees are not able to enter company grounds easily
  • Separate publicly accessible areas from non-public areas using closed doors
  • Wear visible company ID cards, in order to make out employees from strangers
  • Report thefts to the police immediately. With their help, you set theft traps, in order to convict the culprit in a way that can be utilized at court. But never do this autonomously

Last update: 04/07/2010