How to Catch a Thief at the Workplace: Perth Business Security
Employee theft costs Australian businesses $1.4 billion annually. This guide reveals prevention strategies and detection methods Perth businesses use to stop workplace theft.
⚠️ Workplace Theft Reality
75% of employees admit to stealing from employers at least once. Average Perth business loses $1,200-$4,500 annually to employee theft (cash, inventory, time theft).
Prevention: Stop Theft Before It Starts
1. Visible CCTV Coverage
Cameras reduce employee theft by 60% through deterrence alone:
- POS/register cameras: Overhead view capturing cash handling, void transactions
- Stockroom cameras: Monitor inventory access, prevent unauthorized removal
- Loading dock cameras: Catch employees removing goods during deliveries
- Staff area cameras: Break rooms where personal items stolen
- Time clock cameras: Prevent buddy-punching (clocking in for absent colleagues)
- 360° cameras for wide areas: Warehouse/retail floor comprehensive coverage
⚖️ Legal Requirements
Perth workplaces MUST notify employees of CCTV monitoring. Display clear signage and include CCTV policy in employment contracts. Covert cameras require legal justification and are rarely permitted.
2. Access Control Systems
- Key card entry: Log who enters restricted areas and when
- PIN codes: Individual codes track employee movements
- Time-based access: Prevent after-hours access to cash/inventory
- Instant revocation: Disable terminated employee access immediately
3. Inventory Controls
- Regular stock takes: Weekly/monthly counts identify shrinkage
- Dual-signature requirements: Two employees verify high-value movements
- Serial number tracking: Track specific items through system
- Waste logs: Document damaged goods to prevent "fake wastage" theft
4. Cash Handling Procedures
- Surprise cash counts: Random register audits during shifts
- Small float amounts: Limit cash available to steal
- Dual-deposit verification: Two people count banking
- Void/refund approval: Manager approval for all voids/refunds
Detection: Identifying Active Theft
Warning Signs of Employee Theft
Behavioral Red Flags
- • Refusing to take vacations (fears discovery)
- • Excessive working late/alone
- • Lifestyle beyond salary (new car, jewelry)
- • Defensive about procedures
- • Unusual closeness to vendors/suppliers
Financial Red Flags
- • Inventory shrinkage increasing
- • Register shortages with specific employees
- • Unusual refund/void patterns
- • Unexplained profit margin decline
- • Supply orders not matching usage
Investigation Techniques
1. CCTV Review
- Timeline correlation: Match inventory discrepancies to camera footage timestamps
- Behavior patterns: Notice employees lingering near cash/stock areas
- Transaction matching: Review footage during suspicious void/refund transactions
- After-hours activity: Check footage during times employee shouldn't be present
2. Data Analysis
- POS reports: Identify unusual void/discount patterns by employee
- Time tracking: Compare clocked hours vs actual CCTV presence
- Inventory variance: Track shrinkage by department/employee responsibility
- Vendor invoices: Compare purchase orders to inventory received
3. Audit Procedures
- Surprise inventory counts: Unannounced stock takes prevent concealment
- Till audits: Random cash counts during suspected employee shifts
- Bag checks: Legal if policy stated in employment contract
- Waste bin inspections: Check for discarded product with tags/packaging
Common Employee Theft Methods
Cash Theft Techniques
- • Pocketing cash from sales, not ringing transaction
- • Voiding legitimate sales, keeping cash
- • Processing fake refunds to own credit card
- • Under-ringing sales (charging less, pocketing difference)
- • Skimming cash from register throughout day
Inventory Theft Techniques
- • Removing stock through loading dock during deliveries
- • "Sweethearting" (giving free products to friends/family)
- • Marking inventory as damaged/waste
- • Taking office supplies, tools, equipment home
- • Backdating expiry dates to claim product spoiled
Time Theft Techniques
- • Buddy-punching (colleague clocks in for absent employee)
- • Extended breaks not clocked out
- • Arriving late, leaving early but not adjusting timecard
- • Claiming overtime not worked
- • Personal tasks during paid work hours
Taking Action: Response Procedures
When You Have Evidence
- Gather comprehensive evidence: CCTV footage, transaction reports, inventory records
- Consult employment lawyer: Ensure legal termination process followed
- Private interview: Confront employee privately with evidence (never public)
- Document everything: Written records of incident, evidence, employee statements
- Police report: File for theft over $1,000 or systematic fraud
- Termination: Follow Fair Work procedures to avoid unfair dismissal claims
- Recovery action: Consider civil proceedings to recover stolen amounts
⚖️ Legal Caution
DO NOT accuse employees without solid evidence. False accusations = defamation lawsuits. Always consult employment lawyer before confrontation or termination.
Perth Business CCTV for Theft Prevention
Recommended System Configuration
Small Retail/Office (Under 200m²)
- • 6-8 cameras minimum
- • 4K resolution for facial/transaction detail
- • 60-90 day retention (investigation time)
- • POS integration (overlay transactions on video)
- • Remote viewing for owner monitoring
- • Cost: $4,500-$7,500 installed
Warehouse/Large Retail
- • 12-20+ cameras
- • Mix of overview + detail cameras
- • 90 day retention minimum
- • Access control integration
- • License plate recognition for vehicles
- • Cost: $10,000-$25,000+ installed
Protect Your Perth Business From Employee Theft
Great White Security designs workplace theft prevention systems: strategic CCTV placement, POS integration, access control, and evidence-quality recording for Perth businesses.