Discovering or even suspecting that an employee might be stealing from your business can be incredibly stressful. Theft in the workplace not only affects your bottom line, but it can also harm team morale, damage trust, and put your reputation at risk.
At Absolute Investigations, we work with businesses across the UK who face this very situation. If you’re worried about an employee’s behaviour, here are some of the common signs of workplace theft, the risks of ignoring it, and how a discreet investigation can give you the answers you need.
Signs an Employee Might Be Stealing
It isn’t always easy to spot theft, especially when the person involved knows how to cover their tracks. Some red flags to look out for include:
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Unexplained drops in stock or cash flow – missing items, shortages, or inconsistencies in records.
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Changes in employee behaviour – defensiveness, secrecy, or being overly protective of their work area.
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Lifestyle changes that don’t add up – sudden expensive purchases or unexplained financial comfort.
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Unusual working patterns – staying late, arriving early, or wanting to work alone.
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Manipulation of records – invoices, accounts, or logs that don’t quite match.
These signs don’t always prove wrongdoing, but they are worth paying attention to if they continue or worsen.
The Cost of Ignoring Employee Theft
Workplace theft costs UK businesses millions every year. Beyond the financial loss, the impact can be damaging in other ways:
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Loss of trust within your team.
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Lower staff morale if honest employees feel the problem isn’t being addressed.
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Reputation risks if the theft becomes public.
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Potential legal consequences if not handled correctly.
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By acting promptly and professionally, you can minimise losses and send a clear message that dishonesty will not be tolerated.
Could Absolute Investigations Help?
If you’re saying to yourself, “I think my employee is stealing,” but you don’t have the proof, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Acting too quickly without evidence risks damaging trust and creating legal complications, but ignoring the problem may allow it to continue.
This is where professional support can help. At Absolute Investigations, we work with businesses discreetly and confidentially to establish the facts. Our services for employers include:
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Surveillance to monitor suspicious activity without drawing attention.
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Background checks to identify hidden risks in an employee’s history.
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Clear, detailed reporting that you can rely on for internal HR processes or legal action if needed.
Our role is to provide clarity so you can make an informed decision, whether that means disciplinary action, dismissal, or simply restoring your peace of mind.
Even if you’re not ready to take formal steps, an informal chat with us can help you explore your options and decide on the right approach for your business.
