Through a special arrangement, presented here for discussion is a summary of an article from Convenience Store Decisions magazine.
While high-tech solutions like high speed video cameras and online monitoring are being increasingly tapped to safeguard against employee theft, other lower tech options, including training, consistent monitoring and setting a tone that puts staff members on notice, still need to be part of the equation.
"I'm sorry to report that c-store employees are still winning the theft war," said Chris McGoey, the principal of McGoey Security Consulting. "It's the nature of the business that one or two employees have full charge of all the store assets, especially on the swing and graveyard shifts. A small business operator or franchisee simply cannot be there all the time, especially with a 24-hour operation. The business owner must rely on others to properly record sales and watch over the inventory in their absence."
Recorded video also allows operators to monitor store activity in their absence and keep an eye on employees and each transaction made. But employees learn very quickly that the boss isn't reviewing the recorded video regularly.
"A significant event will occur in camera-view and the boss never asks about it," said Mr. McGoey. "If there is a monitor in the back room, employees quickly learn what the camera can see and where the blind-spots are located. Employees will intentionally change a camera angle, or put a sign in front of it. The employee will disconnect a camera and claim it must be defective. The employee will turn off the digital recorder, or unplug it and commit theft."
To stay a step ahead, Mr. McGoey continued, savvy convenience store operators will routinely spot-check recordings and make relevant comments to employees so they know they are being supervised.
Convenience store operators should also:
- Compliment an employee about how efficiently they handled the 1:30 a.m. rush.
- Request the worker get out from behind the counter when it is slow to clean, dust or front-merchandise.
- Ask about a particular customer or a certain transaction or beer sale ID check.
- Use the video recordings as an opportunity to train employees how to work more efficiently.
"Technology definitely has its place, especially with monitoring trends and patterns of sales and inventory variation," Mr. McGoey said. "But oftentimes low-tech is best. I think it is best to have clearly defined and articulated duties and expectations for each shift so all employees know that they are accountable for the cash and store inventory."