By William J. Lynott

Despite using the best internal programs, theft can still occur. It’s important to keep aware of early warning signals of possible employee dishonesty, including:

• Any hint of substance abuse
• An employee with a disgruntled, belligerent attitude, often complaining to others
• Bad temper or unpleasant behavior that tends to discourage or avoid questions
• Inconsistencies in explaining discrepancies or errors in paperwork
• Excessive loitering around the business by off-duty employees, former employees or friends
• Secretive conversations among employees, or phone conversations that stop abruptly when you approach
• Unusually friendly relationships or loyalty between employees and customers
• An employee living a lifestyle that appears to be in excess of what the salary could be expected to support
• An employee who habitually returns to the work area after others have left to retrieve something supposedly left behind

William J. Lynott is a business writer based in Abingdon, Pa.