How do you handle an employee who steals?
Sophia Bowman 
What to Do
- Make sure your evidence is strong.
- You will probably want to terminate the employee immediately.
- Notify the police.
- Don’t deduct anything from the employee’s final paycheck.
- Don’t discuss the situation with other employees or outsiders.
What happens when an employee steals?
Employee Theft or Embezzlement can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property taken and the defendant’s prior criminal history. The punishment ranges from six months in county jail to three years in state prison. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a criminal case.
Can you dismiss someone for stealing?
In a nutshell, stealing from your employer can amount to gross misconduct. This means that you can be dismissed immediately and without notice, which won’t bode well for future employment.
Can you dismiss an employee for theft?
Theft is viewed by the courts as a serious disciplinary offence and normally justifies dismissal at first instance regardless of the value of the property involved. The sanction of summary dismissal for theft, as such, is seen in most employers’ disciplinary codes in the workplace.
What is it called when an employee steals from a company?
Embezzlement is when an employee or someone else in a trusted position steals from your business. They use the money or other assets for their own use. Embezzlement often implies a white collar crime where funds are taken from bank accounts, or perhaps where check forgery or payroll fraud is involved.
Who is the rightful owner of a stolen item?
In the UK at least, it belongs to Bob, always. Theft can’t change the true ownership of an item. Dave is out the money. That’s why you never want to buy something that might be stolen (e.g. that $10 DVD player the guy is selling off the back of the truck). You might have to give it back. A thief cannot convey good title.
What happens when an employee steals from the employer?
Employee theft is an unpleasant reality in the workplace, but when the employee is still on the job, at least the employer can easily confront the worker. But what’s an employer to do if the theft is discovered after the employee leaves the job and moves out of state? Does the errant worker get off scot-free?
What should an employer do if an employee is arrested?
If the employee is not incarcerated, meet with the employee and find out what occurred. Get copies of pertinent documents – arrest records – charges – formal indictments, etc. Speak to authorities where possible, either police or prosecutor. So What Should The Employer Do With The Information Obtained?
Do you know the rights of an employer?
Employees have rights, but the rights of the employer are just as critical. Understanding those rights, and the responsibilities of your employees, can be key to your success as a business owner and an employer. Call our Employment Law team at (480) 464-1111 to discuss your case today.
