The easiest way for someone to shoplift merchandise from a retailer is to have someone working on the inside. The shoplifter can access more merchandise, in both quantity and in dollar value when they are getting out of the store with a little help from an employee.
Sometimes the shoplifter approaches random employees that might be up for making a little extra cash on the side. If the employee bites, the shoplifter will cut them in for a share of the profits they make from selling the stolen merchandise. If the employee says no, the shoplifter will continue to make their rounds until they find an employee who will say yes.
It is very hard to stop the shoplifter from propositioning your employees, as there is often too little evidence to actually have the shoplifter arrested, or even for management to get close enough to kick them out of the store. These shoplifters are quick to be in and out of the stores, lest anyone pick up on what they are trying to do.
Another scenario, popular within organized crime rings, is to send one of their own associates in to apply for a job. Once this stooge is hired, the crime ring has an employee inside your organization for the sole purpose of making it easier for the crime ring to steal from you. Because you have hired this employee, it will probably take you longer to determine where the inventory losses are coming from, compared to if a shoplifter was acting on their own.
In both of these worst-case scenarios, a criminal background check may or may not provide you with an early warning. An employee who has been solicited probably had no previous criminal activity; they were simply tempted by an opportunity that presented itself. An employee that is planted by a crime ring has more than likely been chosen because they can pass a criminal background check.
That does not mean pre employment screening should not be used, on the contrary it is even more critical than before. An employee, who is thoroughly scrutinized prior to being hired, will be less likely to agree to become a part of an underhanded scheme. The key is to deter potential criminals by making it a more difficult process to become hired on.
Criminals are looking for the path of least resistance. This applies to when they are stealing merchandise, but also when they are putting their plans together to commit the crime. Faced with the task of having one of their own undergo the scrutiny of pre employment screening, or applying at a business that does not check backgrounds, the criminals will opt for the latter.
Same principal applies to the employee who is being solicited by a shoplifter. If they are aware of how protective a company is over whom they hire, there are more than likely going to be more controls in place. The employee who knows that they have a very real risk of getting caught will be less likely to steal for a stranger, even if it is just looking the other way. The screening and checks are the first look into what kind of company an employee is going to work for.
To purchase Pre-Employment Screening Services or for more information on background check experts, background checks, criminal background checks, employee background checks or pre employment screening contact us at the background check company or call 1.770.426.0547