By the time you notice the money theft, the energy and time theft have likely been happening for months, if not years. In this final episode of our small theft series, we examine how seemingly minor financial infractions can devastate your business's bottom line.

Most money theft doesn't start with dramatic embezzlement - it begins with an "I deserve it" mentality. Employees who feel undervalued rationalize inflated hours, personal use of business resources, or unauthorized discounts. In retail, especially, a simple 10% employee discount can eliminate profitability when margins are already razor-thin at 50% cost of goods.

We break down three types of direct money theft: inflated hours and expenses, personal use of business resources, and intentionally inefficient resource use. The key to prevention isn't catching dramatic theft - it's staying current with bookkeeping, implementing clear policies, and avoiding the double standards that train employees to expect special treatment. Small leaks sink big ships, and the best defense is consistent financial oversight.