What to do if you suspect an employee of fuel theft
When you think you’ve found evidence of theft on your premises, anger is probably the first natural reaction – just as it would be for anyone! However, one of the first things we should say is that it’s crucial to try and avoid any immediate off-the-cuff reactions, as it could lead to various unpleasant scenarios like unsubstantiated accusations flying around between employees. An environment like that can arguably end up doing more damage to your business than the theft itself.
So then, what’s the best way to react? Well, that’s where we can help. For more than 20 years here at TankSafe, we’ve been providing our clients with outstanding fuel theft prevention devices, as well as advice on how to reduce the likelihood that their businesses fall victim to fuel thieves. As a result of all of our years tackling this problem, we know that the issue of in-house fuel theft can be a tricky one to navigate for commercial business owners. So, to help you out, we’ve devised a quick guide on how to deal with this particular scenario.
What to do if you suspect an employee of fuel theft
It can often be quite difficult to spot when fuel goes missing, particularly if it’s being skimmed little and often. However, if you do suspect that significant amounts of fuel have been going missing, then your three top priorities should be:
To collect and collate irrefutable evidence of any accusation
To involve your Human Resources department
To ensure you have formal legal advice and a legal representative present at any meeting
It’s crucial not to confront an employee without having organised all of the above. Otherwise, it’s your word against theirs, and making unfounded accusations against any employees (however credible they may seem to you) can massively reduce your credibility as an employer. It can open your company up to serious legal action, and if you get it wrong, it can wreck someone’s career. As with so many workplace disputes, building a strong case is crucial.
How can I talk to my employees about fuel theft?
Never publicly accuse anyone. This is absolutely critical, as it can create damaging tensions within your organisation. (Even if your suspicions turn out to be correct, these kinds of tensions can sometimes lead to the loss of further staff.)
It’s always best to conduct this kind of conversation in private – it’s less aggressive, more tactful, and ultimately a better way to maintain relationships with your team. The point isn’t to look powerful – the point is to solve the problem at its root cause, and an aggressive name-and-shame stance won’t necessarily help that.
Keep an open mind. Presenting yourself as an approachable, empathetic figure can help you maintain a decent relationship with the employee concerned – whether or not they’re culpable. If they have indeed stolen fuel, it may even lead them to coming clean to you in person. Remember, not everyone who steals fuel is doing it to benefit themselves, and many don’t even regard it as a crime in the same way that stealing food from supermarkets would be. However, just like taking food from supermarkets, fuel theft is sometimes driven by desperation, particularly when so many are struggling with economic instability.
How can I prevent fuel theft within my workforce?
Education - educating your drivers on the consequences of fuel theft can be one of the most effective preventative measures. By informing your staff that fuel theft affects company profits, as well as their job security, then any members of your team who may have stolen fuel in the past, might think again about stealing from you.
Light up your premises - this might sound like an obvious one, but it’s worth highlighting regardless. Thieves tend to like the cover of darkness, as it allows them to conduct their business unseen.As a bonus tip - installing an effective lighting system in your vehicle parking space, and adding a comprehensive CCTV set up will also help deter potential thieves. Plus, you’ll have video evidence that you can show to the police, should a theft occur on your premises.
Install TankSafe Optimum. This is our marquee product. Efficient, reliable, and offering 100% protection from any and all types of fuel theft, it’s no wonder it’s become so highly sought after by fleet managers both here in the UK and overseas. It’s the only security device that can offer you 3-in-1 protection from fuel spills, overfilling, and theft, and it’s protected by 45 patents covering 49 territories worldwide. You will not find a more efficient device anywhere else in the world.
If you have any questions regarding any of our products, or you simply need some advice, feel free to head over to our FAQs page, where we answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding our products and services. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 01253 400 401, and we’ll be happy to help however we can!