Crime School

Nightclub security plan after Orlando massacre

Are nightclub security plan upgrades needed for Gay Pride week?

* What can San Francisco club owners do to enhance security?

* Should nightclub owners worry about a copycat incident?

Interview with San Francisco Chronicle newspaper.

Reporter Aidin Vaziri.

Is a nightclub security plan needed for the LGBT Pride Celebration?

Podcast Time Stamps:

[01:20] -- Gay Pride (LGBT) weekend starts June 25, 2016 in San Francisco

[01:50] -- This year LGBT parade joins with Black Lives Matter movement.

[03:10] -- Interview begins with San Francisco Chronicle newspaper reporter.

[04:00] -- What should nightclub owners do in light of Orlando massacre?

[05:00] -- No trend or pattern where or when next mass shooting will occur.

[06:00] -- Parade dynamic may change with Black Lives Matter movement.

[07:20] -- Nightclub security plan must increase vigilance at the front door.

[08:20] -- San Francisco Police will be out in force and highly-visible.

[09:00] -- Police have met with parade organizers and nightclub owners.

[09:40] -- Will mass shooters be deterred by more security staff at the door

[11:15] -- Arming all security staff in clubs is not likely to happen soon.

[12:45] -- Special response training needed for a nightclub security plan.

[13:15] -- Nightclub owners need a response to "what if" questions.

[14:40] -- New dynamic requires personal alertness at all public venues.

Should San Francisco nightclub owners worry about a copycat massacre?Tweet This

San Francisco Police Highly-Visible at Gay Pride Parade

San Francisco LGBT Parade and Celebration

* Gay Pride parade 2016 is expected to draw one-million people.

* Celebration moves between Civic Center and the Castro district.

* Day-long celebration and mixing of political values is a security challenge.

* Police hope for peaceful demonstrations and protests.

* The usual amount of disruption and disorderly conduct is expected.

* Due to the crowd, theme, and alcohol service, there will be some fights.

* Some injuries and medical emergencies are anticipated.

* Gun violence and mass murder have not been a major threat.

* A few people were shot in 2013 and 2015 at LGBT Pride events.

* SFPD will increase foot patrols and have a highly-visible presence.

* Law enforcement is relying on each nightclub security plan.

Nightclub Security Plan for Gay Pride Celebration

* FBI and San Francisco Police have met with parade organizers.

* Saturday is nightclub night South of Market and in the Castro.

* Streets, nightclubs, and bars will be filled with people.

* Police have met with clubs about a nightclub security plan.

* Police planning is largely about crowd control and response.

* The Orlando Nightclub Massacre is on everyone's mind.

* Police will be out in force to prevent a copycat mass shooter.

* A city must rely heavily on private nightclub security plan.

* Nightclubs must hire and train adequate staff to control conduct.

* Nightclub security plan must address active shooter response.

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About Crime School

My idea for a Crime School came in response to several decades of speaking to business owners, and crime victims about how to reduce their risk of physical harm and/or property loss caused by criminal activity.

Security expert Chris E. McGoey is the host of Crime School. He facilitates talk-show discussions with industry experts, crime victims, and product manufacturers about the methods, tactics, and tools being used to prevent crime.

Chris E McGoey

Crime victims learned the hard way that the laws of society, the police, and private security didn't protect them from crime.

Becoming a crime victim reminded them that personal safety and preventing property loss at home, at a place of business or when out in public is primarily their responsibility until help arrives.

Most crime victims admit that they didn't think much about crime prevention or make plans to prevent specific types of crime, but would now like to learn more about it if the training was accessible and affordable.

Let’s not kid ourselves, career criminals have their own crime school and learn their trade in the street, in prison, and online. Unfortunately, their methods of operation adapt faster than law enforcement and private security and their tactics are constantly evolving with new technology."

I’m a practicing security consultant and licensed private investigator. I've been studying crime prevention and security management for over 50 years. I’m still learning new things. I see new variations in old criminal methods of operation all the time, especially with the new technology that criminals often use to their advantage.

Discussions about Crime School will provide the education and training you need to make better-informed decisions about making places safe for people and property whether you and your family are at home, at your place of business, or out in public.

About Crime School Curriculum

Crime and loss prevention subject matter:

* Discussion about breaking crime news and ongoing investigations.

* Preventing specific crimes against persons & property.

* Retail loss prevention – robbery, burglary, shoplifting, employee theft.

* Crime risk assessment & security planning.

* Home invasion and burglary prevention (homes, apartments & condos).

* Nightclub & bar security.

* Convenience store and gas station security.

* Fast-food and restaurant security.

* Shopping center security.

* School & campus security.

* Hotel & motel security.

* Travel security.

* Preventing workplace violence.

* Personal safety when out in public.

* Internet crime, fraud & scams.

* Self-defense & use of force including weapons.

* Law enforcement and private security training.

* Probable cause to detain, arrest, false arrest.

* Liability for our action or inaction.

* Review of products, hardware, and equipment.

Who Should Participate

* Any concerned citizen who wants to learn how to be safe.

* Students that are interested in crime prevention careers.

* Law enforcement professionals.

* Corporate security management.

* Security consultants & investigators.

* Loss prevention professionals.

* Security guards and proprietary security officers.

* Risk managers & Insurance underwriters.

* Commercial property owners & managers.

* Business owners & operators.

* Attorneys interested premises liability & negligence claims.

Robbery Homicide of a Tampa Florida Convenience Store Owner

* How mom and pop stores and small budgets prevent armed robbery?

* How to reduce the robbery-homicide risk in a high-crime neighborhood?

* Interview by Tony Marrero with The Tampa Bay Times.

Podcast Time Stamps:

00:40 -- Show introduction to Crime School Security Expert Chris McGoey

03:40 -- Interview begins with Tony Marrero at Tampa Bay Times newspaper

05:40 -- In 2011 and 2017, same-store owner confronted robbers and was shot

06:50 -- What can mom and pop stores do to prevent armed robbery violence?

08:00 --  Neighborhood exhibited high-crime posture with bars on windows

09:20 -- Store needed security bars on openings, and windows blocked with signs

11:20 -- Do bullet-resistant barriers prevent violence like robbery homicide?

15:45 -- Video of 2011 robbery available to view at CrimeSchool/43

17:15 -- C-store chains use time-delay drop-safes to support cash control

18:15 -- Hard to get store operators not to resist during robbery homicide threat

20:30 -- Poor high-crime neighborhoods need stores, but cost more to secure

Beloved convenience store owner fights with robbers. Is shot and killed!Tweet This

Store Owner Killed During Armed Robbery in Tampa Florida

 

Robbery Homicide Crime Risk Preventive Steps

* Ask the local police for help in evaluating business crime risk at your location

* Evaluate prior crime risk, neighborhood crime, and quality of escape routes

* Limit hours of operation for isolated stores in residential neighborhoods

* Maximize visibility in and out of the store by keeping windows clear of signs

* Multiple clerks on duty may prevent some robberies, but not always

* Use a time-delay drop safe in high crime stores to help reduce cash on hand

* Implement and enforce strict cash handling policies to limit available cash

* Don't accept bills larger than $20 and let customers see bills being dropped

* Use door, window, and drop safe signage to support your cash handling policies

* Use video surveillance cameras as a robbery deterrent and training aid

* Get robbery prevention training and teach staff to act safely during a robbery

* Don't argue or fight with armed robbers. Keep the robbery transaction short

* Having in-store weapons increases the chance of robbery homicide for everyone

* Fighting with armed robbers for their gun increases robbery homicide risk

* After risk assessment, develop a comprehensive security plan to reduce risk

Other Robbery Homicide Related Podcasts

* Restaurant Robbery Prevention in Houston

* Fast Food Security – Violent Crime at Quick Service Restaurants

* Convenience Store Robbery Cash Handling

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey.

How can Women Prevent Crime and be Reasonably Safe?

Women prevent crime by assessing their daily lifestyle.

Security plan creates awareness to reduce risky behavior.

Women prevent crime by adopting safe routines.

* Interview with Women's World magazine.

* Writer/editor Hannah Chenoweth.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[02:12] -- Interview with Hannah Chenoweth from Women's World magazine.

[03:00] -- Primary defense tactic for women is reliance on life experience.

[04:00] -- Find a safe neighborhood to live will reduce overall crime risk.

[05:20] -- We control exposure to crime risk by our behavior and lifestyle.

[06:40] -- Research safe destinations for errands, and entertainment.

[07:15] -- Develop safe routines for selecting and using parking lots.

[10:00] -- Don't rely on phone apps during a confrontation...use your brain.

[13:45] -- Play "what if" to determine how you would respond to a threat.

[19:00] -- Must trust your instincts about potential threats and react.

[23:00] -- Make your home safe from burglars and home invaders.

[27:45] -- Your neighbors have a vested interest to protect you.

[30:20] -- Develop a family security plan and adopt safe routines.

 The best app for crime prevention is not on your phone...it's your brain.Tweet This

Women Prevent Crime by Adopting Safe Routines

Women Prevent Crime with a Lifestyle Assessment.

* Evaluate every aspect of your lifestyle for the level of crime risk.

* Do you live in a safe environment...can you relocate?

* Do you go to work or school in a safe place?

* Are there things you can do to improve the safety of your home?

* Make a list of daily routines, locations, and activities.

* Do you have common destinations that are unsafe?

* What steps can you take to reduce your crime risk?

* Can research and adopt safer destinations for errands?

* Have a family meeting to discuss safer lifestyle changes.

Designing a Security Plan to Fit your Lifestyle.

* Women prevent crime by choosing a safe neighborhood to live.

* Women prevent crime by making their home safe from intruders.

* Women prevent crime by planning to be safe at every destination.

* Women prevent crime by being alert to surroundings when out in public.

* Women prevent crime by walking with intention and awareness.

* Women prevent crime by trusting their instincts about threats.

* Women prevent crime by not relying on others to keep them safe.

Related Shows about Crime Prevention for Women

* 10 Reasons Why Burglars Choose Your Home

* Home Security Burglars, Robbers, Safe Rooms

* Parking Lot Security – Your Car as a Personal Safe Room

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey.

Nightclub security bouncer job description and security duties.

What are the duties of nightclub security and bouncers?

Are nightclub security personnel adequately trained?

How are club policies and procedures set and enforced?

Who determines what level of force is used by bouncers?

Nightclub doorman weapons pat-down

Yale University staff writer Declan Kunkel interviews Chris McGoey.

Yale University will publish this interview in The Politic Newspaper.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[01:20] – Introduction of Yale University student Declan Kunkel.

[01:30] – Nightclub security job description, including bouncers.

[01:55] – What are the typical doorman duties in a nightclub?

[04:28] – What are the typical access control duties in a nightclub?

[04:59] - What are the typical duties of a nightclub bouncer?

[06:00] - Are there any nightclub security training standards?

[07:30] - How do nightclub bouncers know when to intervene?

[08:40] - Best bouncers are not always large in stature or male.

[09:30] - Security and bouncers need clearly defined rules.

[11:28] - Nightclub bouncers notice troublemakers right away.

[12:00] - What is the liability for criminal acts of patrons and staff?

[14:00] - Nightclub security is responsible for removing known threats.

[15:20] - Nightclub security's biggest mistake is the use of excessive force.

[16:30] - Nightclub security needs an adequate number of bouncers.

[17:50] - How can a nightclub reverse a dangerous reputation?

[19:40] – How can a nightclub change the nature of a disorderly club?

[21:40] - Every nightclub needs responsible service alcohol training.

[22:35] - Nightclub security high standards hiring, training, supervision.

The best nightclub bouncers don't bounce anyone...they talk to people and deescalate behavior.Tweet This

Nightclub Security Doorman Duties

Positioned at all doors wearing a distinctive uniform.

They are well-trained for the post and know every regulation.

Must maintain control of access and club entry lines.

ID verification for legal age before admission.

Verify before entry that the person is not obviously intoxicated.

Verify that the person is not carrying a weapon or contraband.

Use an optional metal detector, pat-down, or bag search.

Enforce the dress code and refuse objectionable attire.

Refuses admission to known troublemakers.

Direct communication with bouncers and management.

Access and egress control and fire safety duties.

Calls the police to report criminal acts, as required.

Nightclub Security Bouncer Duties

Work primarily inside a nightclub or at the door.

Patrols the exterior and parking lot sometimes.

Wear a distinctive uniform that is highly visible.

Positioned in a room with an unobstructed view.

Have adequate staff (e.g., 1-50 ratio) if high-risk.

Monitor patron behavior and level of intoxication.

Enforce club rules often with early warnings.

Removes obnoxious and offensive persons.

Always professional when asking patrons to leave.

Implement a policy to ban persons who like to fight.

Use force only in self-defense or detention for police.

Calls the police to enforce criminal acts, as required.

Nightclub Security Bouncer Hiring, Training, Supervision

Hire doormen and bouncers with the right demeanor for the job.

Large men are not the sole basis for security hiring decisions.

Hire a diverse staff of different sexes, ages, and ethnicities.

Train in criminal and civil law and the standard of care.

Frequent training about the use of force and limitations.

Frequent practice and scenario drills working as a team.

Supervise security closely for compliance with training.

Mobile radios and communication aids supervision.

Frequent staff meetings with the supervisor to update training.

A manager works with the police, as needed, to maintain order.

Nightclub Security Bouncer Excessive Use of Force

Bouncers have no authority to use excessive force.

No police powers beyond ordinary citizens.

An adequate number of bouncers reduces the risk of injury.

Adequate training reduces excessive force incidents.

Excessive force by bouncers will ruin a club's reputation.

The excessive use of force causes harm and creates liability.

Should have documentation of the use of force training.

Nightclub Security Bouncer - Repair a Bad Reputation

Must control the over-service of alcoholic beverages.

Must control overcrowding and club intensity.

Failing to control aggressive behavior will ruin a club's reputation.

Excessive force by bouncers contributes to negative media coverage.

Must control parking lot for loitering, drugs, traffic, and litter.

Must control egress traffic from a club at closing time.

Partnership with the police and the liquor licensing agency.

Hire a security consultant to build a new security plan.

Commit to changing the nature of the nightclub.

Be a good neighbor and demonstrate changes in operation.

More Information about Nightclub & Bar Security

Bouncers and Doormen.

Managing Obnoxious Behavior.

Bouncers & Doormen Need Training.

Death of a Nightclub.

Bar Bouncers Use Excessive Force in Florida. Episode 11

The Politic Newspaper, Yale University.

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the 115-page eBook written by Security Expert Chris E. McGoey

Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation

Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases

Chris McGoey has authored a tremendous practical guide about premises liability litigation for attorneys, security consultants, risk managers, landlords, law enforcement, and business operators.

“You won’t find a better book on this subject!”

If you’re a trial lawyer, you simply “Must Read This Book”

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Biography of Chris E. McGoey

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Speaking Engagements

Media Interviews

Premises Liability Litigation Book

Retain Chris as a Security Expert Witness

Chris McGoey Blog Article Index

Crime School Podcast Episode Index

Contact Security Consultant Chris E. McGoey

Jonesborough, Tennessee

951-461-8950

Home Security Alarm Best Practices

* Buy only the home security alarm features that you need.

* Buy the alarm system that you will use every day.

* Buy a quality home security alarm system and only cry once.

* Use a local alarm installer for access to service and repairs.

Interview by Grant Clauser with The Wirecutter.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[01:00] -- Misconceptions about home security alarm being burglar-proof.

[03:05] -- Interview begins with Grant Clouser at The Wirecutter.

[03:50] -- Home Security Alarm is a box with circuit boards and wires.

[06:15] -- Alarm sensors monitor every window, door, and interior space.

[10:00] -- Quality of alarm components can vary so beware of discounts.

[11:00] -- Home security alarm systems have a high false-alarm rate.

[12:30] -- Police respond to 95% false alarms. Will issue citations for abuse.

[13:50] -- Hire a local good installer that offers repair and maintenance.

[17:25] -- How reliable are the inexpensive wireless alarm systems?

[18:30] -- How can you evaluate the quality of alarm monitoring services?

[20:45] -- Home security alarm component with greatest crime deterrent.

[23:20] -- Quality infra-red motion sensors allow walk-testing coverage.

[24:15] -- Be an educated consumer to avoid alarm system sales fraud.

Install a quality home alarm system and only cry onceTweet This

Alarm Central Station Monitoring Hiccups

Home Security Alarm System Tips

* 60% of burglars will bypass a home with alarm signs.*

* DIY self-installed alarms have higher false alarm rate.

* Some unsecured wireless systems can be hacked.

* Wireless DIY alarms is best fit for small apartments.

* Beware of door-to-door alarm system salesmen.

* Many alarm salesmen are not trained security specialists.

* Read the fine-print in alarm monitoring contracts.

* Make a commitment to use your alarm system every day.

* Keep your emergency phone contact list up to date.

* Home Security Alarm use will soon become a habit.

* Periodically test different door and window alarm sensors.

* Call your central station contractor and request a live sensor test.

* Teach your children how to use the home security alarm.

* Ask your alarm contractor to make a periodic system inspection.

* 2012 Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation Study

Related Home Security Alarm Podcasts

* Home Security Burglars, Robbers, Safe Rooms

* 10 Reasons Why Burglars Choose Your Home

* Home Invasion Robbery Scotty McCreery American Idol Star

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey.

* Security Expert's Guide to Premises Liability Litigation.

* Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases.

* Crime School topics are influenced by your input an...

Gas station security risk from car burglars called sliders.

* Sliders prey on women and unlocked vehicles at gas stations.

* Sliders want to snatch purses, wallets, cell phones, laptops.

* Gas station security flaw creates this opportunity for thieves.

* Family security plan removes this opportunity from sliders.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[01:30] -- Gas station security precautions begin when you exit your vehicle.

[02:15] -- Sliders strike suddenly and are a challenge to gas station security.

[03:05] -- View the surveillance video of sliders in action in Houston.

[03:50] -- Sliders will drive off in your car if keys are left in the ignition.

[04:20] -- Observe customer behavior next time you buy fuel.

[05:15] -- Gas Station security - Deters and prevents slider methodology.

[06:00] -- Is it a pain to keep doors and windows closed and locked.

[06:30] -- Compare to pain of losing your purse, wallet, laptop, cell phone.

[07:25] -- My solution to sliders is alertness and a car locking routine.

[08:00] -- Discuss your gas station security plan with family and friends.

Beware of gas station sneak thieves called 'sliders'.Tweet This

Gas Station Security: Watch the "sliders" in action.

Gas Station Security - Beware of Sliders.

Gas Station Security Tips

* Sliders work mostly at city gas stations, but it can happen anywhere.

* Thieves target women driving alone at convenience store gas stations.

* Sliders want purses, wallets, and cell phones unattended on a car seat.

* Always lock your doors and windows whenever you exit the car.

* While outside pumping gas, pay attention to other people and cars.

* Grab and run thieves like sliders look for the easy target.

* Teach your family about these safety tips when buying fuel.

* Develop a routine of locking car doors so it becomes a habit.

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey.

Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation.

Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases.

WANTED: Show Guests with Crime Stories

Are you a property crime victim or violent crime survivor?

* Do you have a business with crime problems to solve?

* Do you have crime or loss prevention programs to share?

* Do you have crime prevention products to review?

* Contact —  Chris with your ideas for a show.

* Crime School topics are influenced by your input and scenarios.

* We encourage sharing Crime School content on social media.

* Help Crime School grow with a 5-Star Rating & Review in iTunes.

* Thank you for doing your part in making places safe.

Connect with Chris McGoey and the Crime School community:

Loss Prevention Procedures are the Glue that Prevents Retail Theft

* Employee theft is always the most likely suspect in large inventory loss

* Shoplifting loss is the most controllable expense, but needs a plan

* Loss prevention procedures reduce employee theft and shoplifting

* Interview by Mike Bederka with Small Business Smarts

Podcast Time Stamps:

[02:30] -- Retail security consultant can help design loss prevention procedures

[03:15] -- Interview begins with Mike Bederka at Small Business Smarts

[03:30] -- Employee theft and shoplifting account for most inventory loss

[04:30] -- Existing staff not always suitable following a large inventory loss

[05:20] -- Many owners feel they cannot control chronic shoplifting

[06:30] -- 99% of customers act similarly while shopping; Shoplifters do not

[07:20] -- How can a retail stores eliminate shoplifting blind-spots

[08:58] -- Excellent customer service is best  solution to thwart shoplifters

[10:00]-- Watch for areas frequently used by shoplifters for product staging

[11:05 ]-- Genuinely greet every customer by looking at them in the eye

[11:35] -- Keep all merchandise "faced" on the shelves to spot missing bottles

[12:35] -- Some liquor store serial shoplifters always steal the same items

[15:15] -- Best run stores train and enforce detailed loss prevention procedures

[16:05] -- Employee thieves like to blame bad inventory loss on shoplifters

Podcast about preventing employee theft and shoplifting lossTweet This

Loss Prevention Procedures with Reduce Employee Theft and Shoplifting Losses

Loss Prevention Procedures Cut Inventory Loss

* Liquor, wine, spirits, and beer super stores as large as 25,000 square feet

* People under 21 years are sometimes excluded from browsing in a store

* High retail prices make bottles of liquor, wine, and spirits a theft target

* Loss Prevention Procedures are your tools to reduce inventory shrinkage

* Procedures need to be clearly defined, well articulated, and enforced

* High standards in hiring, training, and closely supervising employees is required

* Holding employees accountable for accurately following procedures is key

* Loss prevention procedures provide the audit trail needed to check performance

* Inventory control requires consistent execution of loss prevention procedures

* Shoplifting occurs in a store you own, control, and set the rules of engagement

* Shoplifting occurs when liquor store staff are passive and inattentive

* Well-organized liquor wine spirits specialty store displays helps spot bottle loss

* Technology is the back up not replacement for good loss prevention procedures

Related Loss Prevention Procedures Articles & Podcasts

* Convenience Store Security and Loss Prevention Briefing

* 10 Things Loss Prevention Agents want Shoplifters to Know

* 10 Things Shoplifters Don’t Want You to Know

Home Security - Family Plan to be Safe

* In this episode, learn about home security and how to make any home, condo, or apartment your castle and protect all those who live in it.

* Interview with Dunagun Kaiser about Home Security and Safety

* "Reluctant Preppers" YouTube Show

Dunagun Kaiser

I gave my thoughts about home security and preventing crimes like home burglary, home invasion robbery, and my personal strategy for creating and using a safe room.

Unlike some of my guests here at Crime School, I had no idea what questions would be asked or where the interview might go.

Home Security Points of Discussion

* How a burglar looks at you home and selects a target.

* Burglar view from the street.

* Don't want your house to be the easy target.

* Home, apartment, or condo is a box with door and window openings.

* Fortify these openings as necessary for the risk level.

* Heavy duty deadbolts, strike plates, door viewport.

* Window and glass door strategies.

* Home invasion robbery scenario.

* Why a robber wants you to be at home.

* Why a burglar wants an unoccupied home.

* Start with a family home security plan.

* Have designated escape plans.

* Add layers of security as necessary for risk.

* Extend protective image out toward the street.

* Plan not to be a victim.

* Establish a routine to prevent home burglary or robbery.

* Planning to escape from a home invasion.

* Safe room preparation with intention.

* Communication strategies ready for a crisis.

* Rural or remote robbery scenarios.

* Taking action now to improve home security.

Home Security Resources Mentioned

* CrimeDoctor.com - Articles about Crime Prevention

* Home Burglar Alarm System Options

* Reluctant Preppers.

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey.

* Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation.

* Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases.

WANTED: Show Guests with Crime Stories

Are you a property crime victim or violent crime survivor?

* Do you have a business with crime problems to solve?

* Do you have crime or loss prevention programs to share?

* Do you have crime prevention products to review?

* Contact --  Chris with your ideas for a show.

* Crime School topics are influenced by your input and scenarios.

* We encourage sharing Crime School content on social media.

* Help Crime School grow with a 5-Star Rating & Review in iTunes.

* Thank you for doing your part in making places safe.

Connect with Chris McGoey and the Crime School community:

Email  |  Twitter

Employee theft is the silent profit killer that plays a major role in the financial life or death of your restaurant, cafe, hotel, or bar.

* How can I learn the causes and cures of employee theft and prevent loss in my business?

* How do I prevent employee theft in my restaurant, hotel, or bar?

* What loss prevention strategy, when implemented, will keep my employees honest?

Employee Theft

* Our topic is employee theft prevention in the hospitality industry.

* I answer questions of my co-host Ken Burgin from the Profitable Hospitality podcast located down-under in Sydney, Australia.

Employee Theft from a restaurant, hotel, or bar is a term that is used when an employee steals cash, food, ingredients, or supplies while working on the job.

In the eyes of the law, employee theft is just theft…the elements of the crime are identical. To commit theft, the employee must intend to permanently deprive their employer of the value of the item stolen.

* Employee theft is an insidious crime because the employer is paying a wage and benefits to the thief on top of paying for the cost of their dishonesty.

* Studies have shown that dishonest employees do a lot of damage because they were trusted, had daily access, and had an insider’s know-how to circumvent the accountability systems.

* This breach of trust makes employee theft more like the crime of embezzlement than shoplifting.

Employee Theft Profile

There is no real physical profile for a dishonest employee. Dishonest employees come in all shapes, sizes, ages, sexes, ethnic backgrounds, religions, levels of education, and economic status.

You cannot determine who is likely to steal based on their demographic status alone. However, an employer can make reasonable assessments based on their past and present conduct, integrity, and judgment.

* Some restaurant and bar employees have stolen from every prior employer and will certainly steal from you if hired. It’s a risk-reward decision for them. The reward is the amount they can steal without getting caught.

* Most employee theft suspects I’ve encountered never thought they would be never be caught. They thought they were too smart for the boss because they got away with it for months or years. This was the reason most often given, and why they felt the risk was worth the reward.

* I've found that employers with high-theft losses were not sending a clear message that accountability systems were in place to detect employee theft.

* The deterrence for borderline-dishonest employees includes getting caught, fired, arrested, convicted, jailed, probation, and paying restitution. Help them to realize that a criminal record and bad job reference will have a compounding effect that will follow them for years.

* But because the nature of a cash business, borderline honest employees have to resist ever-present opportunities to steal cash, product, or merchandise…all that some need is a nudge from a supervisor to elevate their desire and motivation to steal from you.

* Some employees would never steal from you under any circumstances. What keeps these employees honest is their moral character, loyalty, respect for the law and their employer, and the desire to be viewed as trustworthy. You have little control over these positive attributes other than recognizing it in the people and hiring more like them.

Accountability is Key to Prevent Employee theft

* You are the architect of your employee theft loss prevention plan.

* You need a clearly defined accountability structure for employees and managers on every shift.

* Your best employees and managers will like the structure and tangible goals to achieve.