What is a Suspected Theft in a Company?
A company can be a victim of various types of thefts, ranging from internal thefts committed by the employees themselves (see “Theft of Merchandise“) to external thefts committed by potential clients, which can negatively impact the company’s revenue.
For a company, knowing its unknown shrinkage is essential. But what is unknown shrinkage? Unknown shrinkage is the difference between the theoretical stock (the stock according to order records) and the actual stock (the physical inventory present in the company). Knowing the unknown shrinkage is necessary to identify where the “lost” stocks have gone. This could be due to simple unintentional errors, such as labelling mistakes, cashier errors, inventory errors, or unreported broken products. However, this difference could also be due to deliberate thefts committed within the company.
In addition to merchandise theft, other types of thefts can occur in a company. For instance, an employee might steal directly from the cash register or sell confidential information to competitors.
There are also thefts between employees, such as thefts in locker rooms, which can create a negative team dynamic and affect employee productivity.
Overall, all these types of thefts, whether material or not, harm the company.
Who Has the Right to Initiate an Investigation for Suspected Theft in a Company?
Any company or its management feeling victimized by theft can hire a detective agency to identify the source and the perpetrator of these malicious acts.
What Are the Possible Interventions of a Detective in a Suspected Theft Case?
In a suspected theft case, a private detective can act in various ways. They can conduct field investigations, such as undercover operations within the company, as well as administrative investigations. Due to their investigative skills, the detective can clearly identify fraudulent behaviors.
Why Hire a Private Detective in Case of Suspicion of Theft?
Hiring a private detective in such situations has many advantages. A detective is a state-licensed agent and operates within the strict confines of the law and respects the privacy of employees. The evidence gathered will be compiled into an investigation report that is legally admissible.
The detective can also work with a bailiff, especially to catch someone in the act. The investigations conducted by the detective will enable the company’s management to take necessary measures. By identifying the source of the thefts, the management can stop them. Disciplinary actions can be taken with supporting evidence. This evidence is also admissible before the labor court.
How Much Does a Detective’s Intervention Cost for This Type of Investigation?
In such situations, hiring a detective is a real investment. By ending the thefts, the company can see an increase in revenue. Packages are regularly offered for these cases. Do not hesitate to contact our agency director, Anthony Caudal, who will advise you and provide a detailed quote (see “Rates“).