- Gather evidence that you can use to prove the employee theft beyond any doubt.
- Notify the employee and contact the police as soon as possible.
- Conduct an internal investigation to discover the extent of the theft.
- Take swift action, such as firing or suspending the accused employee.
- Engage a lawyer and file a lawsuit if needed so that you can seek compensation.
Learning that an employee has stolen from you is never easy as a business owner or entrepreneur. The betrayal can be pretty emotional and financially distressing. Yet, despite all the measures you set up to prevent employee theft, it’s still a common occurrence in the workplace. So, what can you do if you find out an employee has stolen from you? This article shares some tips on how to handle the situation.
Gather evidence
The first step is to ensure that you have concrete evidence that proves beyond any doubt that the employee in question has stolen from you. This could include video surveillance footage, receipts, witness statements, or financial documents.
It’s essential to establish a clear and irrefutable case against the employee. Without proper evidence, it’s easy for the employee to dispute your claims and even take legal action against you.
Notify the employee and contact the police
Once there is sufficient evidence, inform the employee that you suspect them stealing. It’s essential to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the situation and that you have evidence to support your claim. Contact the local police as soon as possible. They will follow up and press charges against the employee if deemed appropriate.
Conduct an investigation
An internal investigation can help discover the extent of employee theft within your business. This is particularly important if the employee has been stealing more than you first suspected. It’s also essential to understand how the theft occurred and potentially take measures to prevent future occurrences. Investigating the situation allows you to fill a knowledge gap about your company’s weak points that can make you prone to employee theft.
Take swift action
Take immediate action once you’ve gathered enough evidence to convict the employee. This could include firing the employee immediately or suspending the employee until the criminal case is resolved. Swift action shows other employees your zero-tolerance policy on theft in the workplace. Remember to document every step you take in the process and make a copy of all evidence that will help your case if needed.
Take legal action
As a business owner or entrepreneur, discovering that an employee has stolen money from your company can be disheartening, frustrating, and confusing. However, it is essential to know that you have legal options. Here are the steps to take:
Engage a Lawyer
If you suspect an employee has stolen money from your company, the first step is to speak with a qualified lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of taking legal action. They can help you gather evidence, evaluate your case, and represent you in court. Engaging a lawyer gives you the best chance of success in your case.
File a Lawsuit
Once you have engaged a lawyer and gathered enough evidence to support your case, it may be time to file a lawsuit against the employee. This step involves submitting legal papers to a court and requesting compensation for the stolen money. Filing a case can be a complex process, and you will need the help of a qualified lawyer to navigate it successfully.
Hire a Certified Bailiff Office
In addition to engaging a lawyer and filing a lawsuit, you may consider hiring a certified bailiff office. A bailiff office is an organization that will track down the employee who stole from you and collect repayment on your behalf. They will work with the court system to ensure that all legal paperwork is handled correctly and, in some cases, can even help you recover stolen property.
Collect Judgement
If your lawsuit is successful, you may be awarded a judgment against the employee. This means that the court has ordered the employee to pay you a certain amount of money as compensation for the stolen funds.
Collecting this judgment can be complex, particularly if the employee has limited financial resources. Your lawyer can help you explore your options for managing the decision and pursuing any other legal remedies available to you.
Final thoughts
Employee theft is a significant concern for businesses, no matter how small or large they are. If caught, it can lead to lasting financial and emotional burdens. Nonetheless, it’s up to employers to set policies and precautions that mitigate the risks of employee theft. When it does occur, the tips outlined above will help you respond swiftly and decisively, ensuring that your business emerges from the situation as intact as possible.
