Running a successful company and managing a warehouse is already a complicated process without having to think about theft. Unfortunately, a warehouse is a place with a high concentration of valuable items, which makes it a desirable target for thieves. Many owners and managers are forced to consider warehouse theft prevention in order to run their businesses. However, there are tips and tricks which many companies, like Four Winds Saudi Arabia, use to stop warehouse theft. With these pieces of advice, you’ll be theft-free in no time.
A key to warehouse theft prevention is a powerful security system
While this might seem obvious, many people decide to use weaker and inefficient security systems. This might help them reduce some costs but will prove a drawback in the long run. To maximize warehouse theft prevention, set up modern and strong CCTV cameras. This will make potential thieves reconsider their actions, or if they go through with their plans, you’ll have crucial evidence. Be sure to install cameras on every corner and cover all blind spots.
Apart from the CCTV cameras, occasionally organize warehouse check-ups. However, it would be best if you were sure that these walk-throughs are random and unpredictable. This will help you maintain a strong presence in warehouse Riyadh, and you might foil some thiefs’ plans. Also, you should hire security personnel. The guards should be stationed at entrances and exits, as well as at the receiving docks and bays. Another helpful trick is to only have the company’s vehicles around the warehouse. This will make any suspicious private car stand out and noticeable.
To increase warehouse theft prevention, improve visibility
Even with top-notch CCTV cameras, there’s always a chance that someone might sneak through the shadows and stay unnoticed. To be sure that warehouse theft prevention is at its best, you should improve visibility in your space. Install strong and long-lasting lights in your warehouse. Illuminate every dark spot and corner to reduce any chance of theft. Another trick many logistics companies in Saudi Arabia employ is the use of large mirrors. This will not only improve the overall lighting in the warehouse, but it will also uncover any dark spots. Large mirrors also have a psychological impact on any would-be thieves. Upon seeing themselves and noticing just how much they’re exposed, many thieves have a change of heart.
Pay attention to the staff and keep an eye on important documentation
Accusing someone of stealing without solid proof, like a camera video or catching them in the act, can be hard. However, to help you single in on a potential suspect, keep doing these tasks:
- Keep in touch with staff’s rumors – if there is a theft taking place, other employees might know
- Check for any repeating decrease in sales, and see which part of the staff is on duty during those sale dips
- Keep an eye on important documentation – if some papers are constantly missing or if you stumble on some duplicates, take action immediately
- If there are some staff members who insist on staying on duty at specific times, inquire for a reason behind their actions
These are some of the tasks you can routinely perform to increase warehouse theft prevention. If one of your employees is planning on doing something suspicious, your constant inquiries and asking around might deter them from theft. On the other hand, the moment you stumble on something suspicious, act on it. The longer you leave it be, the problem will be harder to solve in the future.
Learn to differentiate missing stock from stolen stock
A characteristic of any warehouse Saudi Arabia is that some items might not survive their stay in the warehouse. The number of items in the books will never be the same as their real number. And this is perfectly normal, to a certain extent. The decrease in numbers can happen for many reasons, such as:
- Exposure to elements
- Recalls of faulty goods and items
- Spoilage
- Occasional damage to the products
On the other hand, if there is a big difference in numbers, and especially if it repeats from stock to stock, you might have some thieves ruining your business. The best way to differentiate missing stock from stolen stock, and to work on warehouse theft prevention is to pay close attention to inventory data.
For best warehouse theft prevention, carefully choose your employees
Before hiring any employees, always, and we mean always, do a background check. This will tell you if the potential employee has any criminal records and whether the employee is a suitable fit for your company. During the interview, inquire about the reason why they have left their previous work. Then, after the interview, get in touch with the owner or manager of their previous firm and check if their stories match. When hiring someone new, always do your research and trust your gut.
Educate managers and employees about the company’s theft policy
Be sure to educate all your employees on the company’s strict and zero-tolerance theft policy. Every employee should sign a contract, which clearly states what is taken for fraud or theft, and what the punishment is. Until you receive signed documents, don’t hire anyone. This is crucial for warehouse theft prevention. Also, you, or someone you trust, can contact employees via an anonymous channel and take reports from them. Knowing that their colleges are occasionally questioned, many thieves will get discouraged.
Summary
There are many factors you need to take into account when running a warehouse, and one of them is theft. Some employees might be stealing for you constantly over time, so be careful who you hire. This can lead to major problems down the road. The key to warehouse theft prevention is to have a powerful security system. Illuminate your space properly, in order to uncover any blind spots.
