The new manager of an entertainment organisation discussed his problem with one of our specialists. From the opening of the business, some four years previously, the turnover of the catering section had been very low. The amount spent by each client was below the average in the sector. The previous manager had accepted the situation because that was the way it was when he took up his post.

Carrying out an administrative investigation made a start. Buying, the stream of goods and money, catering, and the till system were all closely analysed. The new manager spoke to employees individually about the poor return. From all of this some signals confirmed our suspicions. Only if several employees who used the tills had committed fraud could the turnover have been so seriously affected. We advised our client to lay this delicate matter before the Police. The Police admitted that, in the area, collective fraud and theft by employees was “not unknown”. We believed that the answer lay in the placing of hidden cameras above the tills, and the Police agreed with us.

The first results were amazing. Nearly all employees were failing to ring up all their sales. Collectively some were also creaming off from the tills. Copy keys had been made, and friends were served free of charge.

During interviews employees admitted that, since the beginning of the year, each of them had stolen between €2,500 and €3,000 per person. Unfortunately, for the previous four years the company had also been losing a great deal of money because the managers in post during those years did not act. 

Eight members of the staff were dismissed, and three left voluntarily. Immediately the statistics showed a remarkable improvement. We agreed with the Police that we would submit our report to them. Our client would then make a collective Crime Report to the Police and they would take legal steps against the eleven thieves. Moreover, our client’s lawyer said that he would try to make a claim against them for recovery of the losses.

| Prevention Guide | Volume 6 | No: 5 | article 3 |

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