NCJ Number
75802
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This media program discusses the costs of business crime and ways that companies can prevent or deter losses.
Abstract
Burglary, robbery, and theft cost businesses over $2 billion annually. To prevent outside intruders from committing such crimes, business management should take several steps. For example, physical crime prevention measures include installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors, securing doors that are not used, and locking windows or installing bars or mesh on the inside of windows. Other prevention tactics are implementing key control, installing fencing and gates with locks, having good lighting, and using either an alarm or an alarm system. In addition, businesses should engrave all property with the company's name or some other form of identification. Access control to the facility during the day is another important tactic. All visitors should be screened before entering the premises. Moreover, internal white-collar and blue-collar crime costs businesses $40 billion a year. Factors influencing the amount of this crime are greed, opportunity, and the attitude of management. Some ways to decrease internal theft are to reduce the opportunity and increase the risks of getting caught; remove the temptation (the merchandise); institute inventory controls and take physical inventory often; spot check all operations on an irregular, unannounced basis; and educate employees that part of their job is to protect the company property. Methods to deter expense account cheating, embezzlement, and computer crime are also discussed. Emphasis is focused on the idea that responsible management can prevent employee crime. The presentation includes an audio cassette and 110 slides.