Workplace Theft & Fraud
“Just as theft & fraud exists inside our communities, it also exists inside our organisations - often carefully disguised but existing all the same”
Do you have a suspicion that theft or fraud is occurring in your workplace. Do you have information or suspicion of who maybe responsibile. Time then, to formulate your investigation plan. Theft and obtaining by deception are criminal offences and when they occur inside the workplace action needs to be taken. You do have choices, but you do need to act - doing nothing is not an option.
You will need to make decisions on wether it is appropriate to refer this matter directly to the police or if it is circumstantially appropriate to deal with the “matter” internally.
Whichever is appropriate, it’s important that you have an investigation plan and you that you become disciplined in keeping records. Attention to detail is required.
The accuracy of your investigation file is critical to the right desired outcome. ATD - Attention to Detail
Workplace investigations into theft & fraud
Theft is easily understood - it’s stealing stuff. Fraud, or more correctly known as obtaining by deception is not widely understood. Within organisations, obtaining by deception is often where people, by position or power obtain funds for their personal gain.
Both of these are criminal offences and both are being committed everyday somewhere inside in New Zealand businesses and organisations. No industry type is immune, because quite simply, people are involved.
Wether its adjusting invoices, doctoring time sheets or accepting kick backs as examples of obtaining by deception or more simply stealing company property or the property of employees - Theft and fraud hurts and affects an organisation well beyond the financial loss.
A natural workplace reaction is with comments like “not here” or “not him” he would be the last person I would have thought of. Thats why it hurts - your trust and confidence in people is shattered by their dishonesty. This in turn will have an adverse effect on organisational culture if its not addressed.
Most employees are of course honest and are doing the right thing. However the very small percentage do exist and they are intent on thieving for their personal gain. It cost NZ businesses millions of dollars every year. With examples across government and private business in our history, of course it exists.
The challenge is to be curious. Trust but validate what you see or suspect. Promote a healthy organisation culture and when these red flags around theft and fraud are raised - investigate.
Investigate with a clear plan and methodical approach that has a focus on attention to detail.
QRisk Workplace Investigations
QRisk Investigations - Here to support you or do it for you - your call
QRisk Investigations is the unique position of having the subject matter expertise and experience in corporate investigations that address the three pillars being, Investigative experience, HR knowledge and organisational cultural development.
We understand that all organisations have different levels of expertise in this investigative space. Depending on this capability and capacity and depending on the complexity of the investigation, QRisk is in a position to work along side you and mentor and support your internal workplace investigation. Alternatively we can simply come in and take a more direct role and do the complete end to end investigation for you. Either way, you’re in control.
QRisk Private Investigation Expertise
QRisk Investigations are licensed by the ministry of justice to carry out private and workplace investigations. Whilst that’s important from a compliance point of view, our real value add is our experience and expertise across HR, organisation culture mixed with investigative experience which has its foundation from the NZ Police.
Regardless of the situation you are investigating a good first step to take is to contact us for a no obligation initial consultation.
Contact us directly - QRisk New Zealand Private Investigation expertise.
QRisk workplace investigations for;
Internal theft or fraud
Bullying
Threats against staff from internal or external persons
Allegations of assault or intimidation