Fraud, theft and industrial espionage by employees is increasing, a survey has found.
More than 80% of employees have no problem helping themselves to company goods, according to an in-house survey by corporate security management company Griffiths Reid.
”They take anything they can lay their hands on, from pens and staplers to computers and laptops,” said the firm’s managing director, Jenny Reid.
Internal theft is more apparent at the end of the year.
”This is the time when people want extra cash to spend during the festive season,” she said.
However, it does not go away in January, with many unable to meet their monthly expenses at the start of the year after December overspending.
Reid said there is a huge black market for computers and boardroom and office equipment.
She urged companies to have not just a guard at the gate, but security alarms and closed circuit television to save money, protect intellectual assets and maintain a competitive edge.
She emphasised the importance of proper screening of staff — particularly those hired over the festive season.
About 25% of job applicants make claim to fraudulent qualifications, 16% have criminal records and 17% bad credit records, she said. — Sapa