Theft/Fraud: The Problems | The Solutions

Business leaders have reported a marked increase in theft from the workplace and of goods in transit.

Statistics confirm that there was a marked increase just leading up to 'The Credit Crunch' and this has continued to increase throughout the period of economic downturn. Many businesses have needed to lose staff and margins have certainly become much tighter during the recession. The increase in losses due to theft and fraud have added insult to injury.

Fraud

All businesses are vulnerable to fraud attack. This can be externally in a variety of different ways, or more likely, from within the organisation. A fraud threat assessment will identify both external and internal threats. Areas of weakness throughout the organisation need to be identified and suitable control measures introduced. Without the appropriate fraud controls, an employee at any level of the organisation has opportunity to attack your systems and steal from your business. It is never too late to carry out a fraud threat assessment and introduce an appropriate fraud control strategy. Done leave matters until the damage is done.

There are many points to consider, but with our skill and expertise we ensure that an in-depth strategic threat assessment, tailored to individual company needs is carried out. This will identify any weaknesses in your systems and processes. Suitable control measures will be identified to either reduce or eliminate the identified threat and a fraud control plan completed. This is a living document that can be re-visited on a regular basis to keep it relevant and effective. We ensure that the opportunities for fraud are reduced and that you have a plan in place for any eventuality.

Theft

Some may believe that stealing from their employer is a perk and whilst it is difficult to eliminate theft of all company property completely, there are many steps that can be taken to prevent and detect this type of criminal activity within the working environment. There are a number of major areas where organisations regularly lose out to the thief. Employees cite the fact that it was easy to steal and although most state that they under no financial pressure to do so, after having witnesses more senior members of staff engaged in taking company property, they deemed the practice as being acceptable.

Theft of property can range from taking of stationery to theft of produce or even company assets. 'Tools of the Trade' are regular targets and expensive commodities such as vehicle fuel are favourites. Increasing security such as introduction of extensive CCTV can assist in reducing incidence of theft, however, if there is a stealing culture within an organisation, then the perpetrators will become more cunning with incidents going 'off the radar'. Mission investigations has extensive relevant experience in this area and in conjunction with our technical expertise, we can identify innovative solutions to combat this problem.

If you believe that we are able to assist you with a theft or fraud issue. Please do not hesitate to contact us further.