The Proper Use Of Interview And Interrogation Techniques

Companies around the world are at risk of losing up to $3.5 trillion each year from occupation fraud and theft. This figure and other data from the 2012 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse paint a clear picture of the challenges facing retail companies. Corporate theft, occupational crime, dishonesty and workplace deviance are on the rise in the retail industry. Based on research by Martin Investigative Services, the employee theft rate held steadily at 15 percent from 1969 to 2006. This figure skyrocketed during the third quarter of 2006 to an alarming 75 percent.  In his article, “Retail Crime Cost U.S. Retailers $41.7 Billion in 2011” published in Retailing Today, Michael Johnsen reported $18.4 billion of this staggering amount was attributed to employee theft.

A Changing Employment Mentality Towards Theft

A disconcerting mentality is sweeping the workforce today. Employee entitlement and greed are the driving factors behind the growing employee theft problem. Investigations routinely record a distinctive lack of remorse by those who have been caught, even at the management level. Their behavior reflects a high degree of entitlement—expecting more than what they earn or deserve. This bold and callous attitude is especially fueled in a weak economy.