If you’re a savvy business owner, you’re always interested in making your business more secure. Whether that means installing security software, paying close attention to customer activity, or investing in surveillance equipment, you do whatever it takes to protect your assets. Unfortunately, though, many business owners mistakenly perceive the biggest threats to exist outside their organization. Though it’s true that external criminals may see you as a target, you are undoubtedly the most vulnerable to those who are within your company. Preventing internal crime is thus an important part of protecting your business. Consider these crime prevention tips for businesses to get started.
Install Surveillance Equipment
Many businesses maintain surveillance equipment with the intent of thwarting criminal activity committed by outsiders. This is certainly a wise move, but it’s also wise to enact that same level of suspicion when dealing with your own employees. Unfortunately, fraud is rampant in many industries, and it’s often perpetuated in organizations that lack sufficient oversight. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners says that one third of all fraud cases can be attributed to “a lack of internal controls.” It’s clear that businesses need to retain control of their staff — and surveillance is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do so.
Pay Attention to Employee Behavior
Sometimes you don’t need a closed-circuit camera to observe suspicious behavior from an employee. In fact, sometimes it will play out right in front of you, with plenty of red flags altering you to impending disaster. You may be able to identify a potential perpetrator of criminal activity simply by listening to their conversations. Do they often talk about financial problems? Are they recovering from a divorce or other personal issues? Do they exhibit behavior that indicates a controlling or entitled attitude? These are all potential indications of the kind of employee who may be likely to commit crimes against their employer. It’s important to be on the lookout for such red flags.
Maintain a No Tolerance Policy
Many people who commit crimes against their company are not first-time offenders. In fact, most of them may have received disciplinary warnings in the past for other unacceptable behaviors. When it comes to fraud and criminal activity, you need to implement a no tolerance policy. Your company isn’t the place for second chances when your assets and life’s work are on the line — and there are plenty of honest, hardworking employees who will gladly fill a potential criminal’s position. Play it safe and remove a potential fraudster from your company after the first infraction. You can take it a step further, too, and invest in crime & fidelity insurance that can offer protection when crime can’t be prevented.
About Haughn & Associates
Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.
