• Pay Above Award Wages

The quality of your employees is up to you. If you cherish your business then you will have good employees. Value them. Pay above award. Human relations and business psychology experts say this will reduce theft.

• Talk to Employees

Ask for their honest comments about the business and incorporate sound advice. The more they feel genuinely valued the less likely they are to steal from you.

• No Employee Bags at the Counter

This speaks for itself. Employees do not require their personal belongings to fulfill their work activities. Secure storage space at the shop rear negates any reason for bags at the counter.

• Have a Clear Refund Policy

Type the policy up and put it on the wall for customers and employees to see. Cover items such as: age of transaction, management approval, mandatory name records, address, phone number and signature – such requirements will stop abuse.

• Offer Good Discounts to Employees

Let employees buy products from you at your cost or at an exclusive mark-up. This shows them respect and values they’re contribution to the business. A poor discount, or no discount at all, excludes employees from the business and can build negative relations.

• Respect the Till

Don’t take cash out of the till in front of employees. If employees see you take money out for items like a coffee or your lunch they may feel invited to do the same.

• Roster Mix Up

Change your roster regularly. It is common that a roster change will show you a theft problem you never thought was there. Don’t have friends working with friends if they are the only ones rostered on.

• Speed Humps

Have a day where you turn on receipts for ALL customers. Then a day where you require that everything is scanned (as opposed to using hot keys and the like). These changes will keep employees and customers on the ball and make it easier for you to spot problems. It will also keep you on your guard and that’s good for the business.

• Spend More Time at the Counter

The further you are from the action in your business the greater the opportunity for you to be ripped off. Spend time at the counter in unexpected intervals. Balance the register during the day. This keeps employees on their toes and reminds them of the presence of management.

• Don’t Let Employees Ring Their Own Purchases Up

This is especially pertinent if you do not have a camera security system installed. Transactions should always have two distinct elements: the customer and the salesperson. Combining the two elements reduces the reliability of the sale process. This also applies to employees selling to family and friends—make sure a third person is present, or ban it altogether

• Use Your Local Council

Many local councils offer theft prevention training and help as do some local police. (Local U.S. police stations are considerably more active in this area.)

• Beware of Popularity

There is anecdotal evidence that the more popular the employee
the more likely they are the one stealing from you.