How do companies deal with employee theft?
Asked by: Prof. Nash Fisher DVM | Last update: January 9, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (49 votes)
Do employers usually press charges for theft?
It often depends on whether a person took something they can return or at least reimburse their employer for. An employer can, however, choose to report the theft to the police and press charges.
What are the consequences of employee theft?
If you commit an act of employee theft, the company you work for can terminate your employment. In addition to losing your job, you can also face arrest, conviction, and the consequences of both. Employee theft is a serious crime that can cost you your job and freedom.
How long does it take for an employer to catch an employee who is stealing?
On average, it takes 18 months for an employer to catch an employee who is stealing. Most employee theft comes to the attention of the employer either by another employee or is revealed by accident.
Can an employee be fired for stealing?
Workplace theft can have serious consequences for both the employer and the employee. The employer can suffer financial losses, damage to reputation, and even legal repercussions, while the employee can face termination, fines, and criminal charges.
2 common ways employees STEAL from small businesses
Can an employer accuse you of stealing without proof?
If an employer makes a false accusation of theft, this could damage your reputation, and you can sue them for defamation of character. There are a few basic requirements for defamation of character suit. Your employer must have made a false statement about you, and they must have published that statement.
Does stealing from work go on your record?
If your employer decides to press charges against you then you can be charged with theft or larceny. These are serious charges and, among other things, will become a matter of public record.
How to prove employee theft?
- An owner of property (or the owner's agent) entrusted his or her property to you AND.
- The owner (or the owner's agent) did so because he or she trusted you AND.
- You fraudulently converted or used that property for your own benefit AND.
Is it hard to get a job after being fired for theft?
It may be challenging to find a new job after being fired for theft, but it's not impossible. You can focus on rebuilding your reputation and highlighting your skills and experience to potential employers.
Can you sue a company for stealing your employees?
In fact, state law prohibits companies from acting in bad faith to solicit a mass amount of employees from their competitors to intentionally hurt their business. This is called “raiding,” and when your competitor does it, you can file a tortious interference claim against them.
What is the most common employee theft?
One of the most common forms of employee theft is cash theft, which accounts for 11 percent of asset misappropriation cases. This reflects a significant area of concern for businesses, as cash is often readily accessible and easily misappropriated.
How do companies recover from theft?
First, don't wait to notify the police and file a police report. You can take inventory of stolen or damaged items after the police have finished their investigation. Once you've inventoried and documented the damage, file an insurance claim. You'll need photos or receipts for items stolen.
Can an employer go to jail?
However, many employers are not aware that they can also do jail time for violating the FLSA. Case in point-Papa John's franchisee Abdul Jamil Khokhar decided that he was not going to pay his employees overtime.
What is the lowest theft charge?
Penalties for Petty Theft
However, if the property has a value of $50 or less, the prosecutor can charge the offense as an infraction, so long as the offender has had no other theft-related conviction. Petty theft charged as an infraction is punishable by a fine of no more than $250. (Cal. Penal Code § 490 (2023).)
How to defend yourself when accused of stealing at work?
- Stay Calm. ...
- Hire an Attorney to Help You Fight Back. ...
- Gather Evidence. ...
- Challenge the Accuser's Credibility. ...
- Find Your Own Witnesses and Present Evidence of Your Side of the Story. ...
- Develop a Strategy in Criminal Defense Cases.
Can you sue someone for stealing your work?
If you have found that another entity has wrongfully stolen your artwork, you have every right to pursue legal action against the guilty party.
How do you recover employee theft?
- Conduct a fair and accurate investigation;
- Discipline or terminate the employee;
- File a claim under the fidelity bond or employee dishonesty policy;
- Recover any loss against third parties; and.
- Obtain restitution through the criminal justice system.
How do you fire an employee for theft?
Before terminating an employee for theft, ensure you have strong evidence, follow company policies and legal requirements, document the termination process carefully, consider any contractual obligations or union agreements, notify the police if needed, refrain from deducting anything from the final paycheck without ...
Is my career ruined if I get fired?
Companies often conduct background or reference checks, and you don't want anything to hold you back. But don't panic—while a termination might appear on your record, it doesn't necessarily mean your career is over or that you won't be hired again.
How do companies catch employees stealing?
Security cameras and inventory controls such as locking up expensive items help deter potential thieves and make it easier to catch employees who steal.
How long does it take to investigate theft?
Most investigations take a few months - that is, generally speaking. If the evidence is particularly strong, police may be ready to make an arrest within days of the initial report coming in.
What proof do you need to accuse someone of stealing?
For a conviction, it must be proven that the shoplifting act occurred. This evidence often includes: Physical Evidence: Items taken serve as tangible proof of the offense. Items found with the suspect or discarded can be used in court.
Does theft show up on a background check?
Misdemeanor Shoplifting: Generally involves the theft of goods below a certain value threshold, which varies by state. Misdemeanor offenses are less severe but can still appear on background checks. Felony Shoplifting: Involves theft of goods above a certain value, again varying by state, or repeat offenses.
Can your work record you without you knowing?
The remaining 12 (California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington) are two-party (also called all-party) consent states. In those states, all parties to the recording must give consent for it to be legal.
How to make amends for stealing?
And if you could it probably would involve a sincere apology and returning the money and property or compensating them financially with the equivalent of what you stole from them.