Theft and Embezzlement by Employees

Long fingers may be useful when learning to play the piano, but in the workplace, they are understandably unwelcome. If you suspect that one or more of your employees are committing property crimes such as theft or embezzlement to the detriment of your company, it is time to have the suspect(s) discreetly investigated by our IHK-certified detectives in Bochum: +49 234 3075 0073.

Office Theft | Merchandise Theft | Stealing from Colleagues

A paperclip here, an envelope there, a sheet of paper, or a pen – employers rarely make a fuss over the theft of such minor items, even though they have the legal right to take action. However, the situation changes when minor thefts accumulate into hundreds. Systematic theft of printer paper, envelopes, tape rolls, and other office supplies can cause significant losses over time. Furthermore, a theft-tolerant employee may set a poor example for colleagues, creating a workplace culture where taking company property for personal use seems acceptable. It often does not stop with minor items – cash, smartphones, laptops, and other easily portable valuables can disappear unexpectedly. Often, theft affects not just office areas but also sensitive locations with high-value goods, such as warehouses or delivery operations.

Even colleagues’ personal property is not always safe: cash, wallets, smartphones, and MP3 players may change hands without consent. Alongside financial loss for the victims, distrust spreads among employees, negatively affecting workplace morale and efficiency. As an employer, it is your responsibility to stop such criminal behaviour immediately, but this is difficult if the perpetrator(s) is unknown. Our professional corporate investigators in Bochum identify the offenders and provide court-admissible proof. Contact us via email at kontakt@kurtz-detektei-bochum.de or by phone at our Bochum detective agency to submit your inquiry.

Property Crimes Involving External Accomplices

Another avenue for employee theft arises when internal perpetrators collaborate with external individuals, for example in a break-in. The employee informs their accomplices where and when valuable items can be found and identifies weak points in security to facilitate theft. The accomplices then enter the company premises, steal the items, and share the proceeds with the employee. Similarly, criminal employees may exploit transportation of high-value goods. Warehouse and transport-related crime is a growing problem because often third parties commit the act, making it difficult to prove co-perpetration by employees.

Regardless of the specific property crime scenario, our corporate detective agency in Bochum is available to identify the offenders and ensure court-admissible prosecution. In many cases, this involves embedding a detective as an employee within your company. This investigative method requires years of experience, and only a few detectives are capable of executing it quickly and effectively. The investigator must be able to establish contact with the suspect rapidly and gain their trust. We will provide detailed guidance on this process. For inquiries, please use our contact form or call us at +49 234 3075 0073.