Stopping warehouse thieves
By David Luton -- Modern Materials Handling, 3/1/1999
Warehouse security is an issue that no one seems to take as a priority until there's a problem. Then very quickly it becomes a chief concern. Yet, every warehouse manager is responsible for safeguarding assets, even if merchandise doesn't appear prone to theft or loss.For many warehouses simple measures can provide an important element of security. Take exterior lighting, for example. Outside floodlights which illuminate the building perimeter can heighten security. Most theft by outsiders occurs at night under the cover of restricted visibility. Exterior floodlights also offer important security for your night shift staff, particularly the women.
Use of site access restrictions such as perimeter fencing, alarms, and video cameras (which have greatly decreased in cost) can also facilitate overall security.
Unfortunately, the best perimeter security system in the world doesn't address a leading cause of theft: Thievery by people who have a right to be there.
These thieves are of two types: Employees and those who regularly visit the facility, such as truck drivers.
To control employee theft, start with building layout and basic security steps. Limiting entry to the warehouse to a door by the supervisor's desk is an important measure.
Make it a habit to personally stand by the exit at the end of a shift. Or station a supervisor there. This action sends a clear message to potential thieves.
Knowing the status of stocks by taking physical inventory, for example, is another good security measure. It won't solve the problem. But it lessens the time period that theft goes undetected.
The most critical element in any security program to reduce internal theft is not to hire the problem in the first place. A proper employee screening policy with background checks is cheap insurance against theft.
Control of theft by other outside parties such as truck drivers with regular access to your site is best applied by following proper procedures. These include having proper seal control for trailers, supervising outside loaders at all times (including break periods), and restricting loaders' warehouse access beyond the truck dock.
Congestion in loading/unloading areas and merchandise left on loading docks for long periods of time invite trouble. Periodic spot checks of all vehicles entering or exiting a site also helps.
And when was the last time you checked the garbage or the new recycle bins? Has anyone ever checked a trailer returning pallets?
Like all warehouse operations, improved security is best designed as a balanced program starting with your specific areas of vulnerability. A combination of physical security and employee screening is often the most appropriate program.
Your parking layout can limit thefts
Physically separating parking, so that employees have to walk across a yard to the warehouse entrance, greatly reduces the risk of thefts of larger items.
You may not be able to prevent someone stealing a chocolate bar. But it's more difficult to steal a whole case of bars if one has to walk 50 yards in plain view of the shipping office window.
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