Creating an Anti-Theft Policy

When considering the creation of an anti-theft policy:

• Emphasize the fact that losses suffered by the company will affect all employees' job security.
• Do not encourage employees' dishonesty by permitting them to believe that it doesn't matter.
• Consider the following:
  • instituting an employee bonding program
  • performing regular audits
  • maintaining complete and up-to-date company records
  • limiting access to supply and storage areas
  • honesty testing of employees (paper and pencil tests)
  • implementing electronic surveillance in the workplace

Examples of anti-theft policies. The following examples of anti-theft policies are ones you can use in your business. If you use one, be sure to tailor it to your specific needs and intentions.

The first example presupposes that, at some point (most likely on an employment application or at orientation), employees were notified that a condition of employment included polygraph testing (provided your state's laws permit polygraph testing).

Stealing from ABC Company or from other employees will not be tolerated. Materials may not be removed from company premises without approval. The company reserves the right to define "materials" in specific instances but, generally, if it doesn't belong to you, leave it in the office. Because of the company's desire to prevent and detect theft, your terms and conditions of employment include polygraph testing when theft is suspected, routine searches of the workplace, and electronic surveillance. Stealing is grounds for immediate termination and may cause the company to bring criminal charges against you.

Here's one that's simpler and a little broader:

ABC Company will not tolerate stealing, nor will it tolerate the possession of company property or other employees' property without prior permission.