The F.B.I. states
Employee theft is the fastest growing crime in America today. One third of all business that file bankruptcy do so because of undetected employee theft. The majority of honest employees ignore employee theft because they don't want to "snitch."

43% of staff steal to get even
Recent surveys indicate that employee theft is on the rise, and the most susceptible business are those in the service industry. Because of the nature of this business it is extremely easy for staff to steal undetected for quite some time. In many cases it is the most trusted staff member who is skimming the most amount of money.

Why Employees Steal

Amazingly, employees questioned as to why they stole often rationalize their action and state the opportunity of theft presented itself through lax policies, controls and management indifference. Moreover, many employees cite opportunities created by management, not their financial need, as their primary motivation to steal. Another significant reason employees give for stealing is their perceived belief management was stealing so it was okay for them to also do so. This condition proves the point that, if management wants a theft free work environment, it must set the example of honesty and adherence to policies.

Some other common examples of employee rationale for theft include: