Employees & Lone Workers
When it comes to physical and online crime prevention there are several things to consider when it comes to working with your employees. Employees are arguably the greatest asset to a business but can also be working against the businesses. In both instances it is important to consider the following:
Cyber Education
It is important to instil good practice, potentially through the use of policies, put cyber onto the agenda!
Potential policies should include: appropriate use of the internet, use of email, regulations on downloading unapproved applications, the use of passwords.
It would also be useful for a business to stress the importance of reputation and data. Education around the Data Protection Act and other legal obligations would help to affirm the importance of handling data, especially on a computer.
When it comes to passwords, staff should be advised that they should not be written down, computers should be ‘locked’ when they are not in use and work space is kept tidy and free of confidential information. This could be contained in a Computer Usage Policy.
Potential policies should include: appropriate use of the internet, use of email, regulations on downloading unapproved applications, the use of passwords.
It would also be useful for a business to stress the importance of reputation and data. Education around the Data Protection Act and other legal obligations would help to affirm the importance of handling data, especially on a computer.
When it comes to passwords, staff should be advised that they should not be written down, computers should be ‘locked’ when they are not in use and work space is kept tidy and free of confidential information. This could be contained in a Computer Usage Policy.
Staff should only have access to information that is relevant to them – consider managing access.
Something as simple as human error in opening email attachments with a virus embedded could be costly to the businesses systems. It is important to educate employees of the dangers of viruses etc.
There has been a rise in CEO Impersonation Fraud in which fake emails are sent to employees requesting an invoice to be paid and when they do so, it turns out that the CEO had not ordered this to be done.
Something as simple as human error in opening email attachments with a virus embedded could be costly to the businesses systems. It is important to educate employees of the dangers of viruses etc.
There has been a rise in CEO Impersonation Fraud in which fake emails are sent to employees requesting an invoice to be paid and when they do so, it turns out that the CEO had not ordered this to be done.
Beware
Physical Education
It is important to inform employees of the physical security onsite so that if they need to implement any of the security measures, they can do so.
It is important that those members of staff who are responsible for managing security are confident in procedures etc.
Use strict visitor policies and ensure all staff help implement this.
Encourage staff to be vigilant and challenge non-employees as to their reasons for being on site.
It is important that those members of staff who are responsible for managing security are confident in procedures etc.
Use strict visitor policies and ensure all staff help implement this.
Encourage staff to be vigilant and challenge non-employees as to their reasons for being on site.
It could be that employees are attempting to defraud the business by stealing stock, money or other assets. Disgruntled employees may be assisting others in causing harm to the business, consider access to various parts of the building.
Keep a regular check that policies and procedures are being followed.
Keep a regular check that policies and procedures are being followed.
Beware
Theft by employees
Employee theft can include a variety of things such as theft of cash from a till, theft of inventory items/equipment or theft of information.
You can reduce the risk of thefts by employees through:
- Checking references – even for temporary employees.
- Establishing a clear policy on theft and security and give to all employees.
- Allocating a secure place for staff to put their personal belongings.
- Refunds, voids or over-rings should only be authorised in the presence of the customer.
- Dividing financial responsibilities among several members of staff.
- Controlling cash flow and accurately documenting where money is spent.
- Making regular deposits of cash rather than allowing them to accumulate in cash tills.
- Checking all invoices to make sure they match what was delivered and to ensure vendors were paid.
- Monitoring high-value items like laptops and sat-navs by using a sign-in and sign-out system.
- Checking bins in staff areas regularly and at random intervals.
- If there are any irregularities with the cash at the end of the day, investigate and respond appropriately.
- Ensuring that two employees are present at the opening and closing of the store
If you suspect that a theft has taken place, you should:
Make sure you have your facts straight – making a false allegation is very damaging to employer/employee relations throughout the business.
Make sure you follow the statutory disciplinary procedures fully or you could end up losing in any potential industrial tribunal action.
Depending on the type and volume of the theft involved, you could consider contacting the Police on 101.
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