6 Tips for Managing and Preventing Warehouse Theft

When you’re storing and distributing goods on a large scale you might expect some inventory shrinkage, but warehouse theft is a different matter entirely.

Share This Post


When you’re storing and distributing goods on a large scale you might expect some inventory shrinkage, but warehouse theft is a different matter entirely. The very last thing you need is light fingers in your warehouse, chipping away at business profits. And it seems no products are immune, from $7,000 of hand sanitiser and face masks to $34 million in cigarettes and alcohol.

Warehouses are generally large, dark, remote and filled with valuable goods, meaning they are unfortunately targeted at a disproportionately high rate. These factors highlight the importance of setting up a high-tech warehouse security camera system, and implementing strong company policies to eliminate any potential theft. If you suspect the possibility of pilfering, here are six quick tips to managing warehouse theft prevention forward.

Know and identify the warning signs

The key to knowing how to prevent theft in warehouse storage facilities, is being able to identify the early warning signs. These are some of the most common signs of warehouse theft that are worth looking out for on an ongoing basis:

  • Sales records that don’t meet stock records
  • Staff rumours that theft is occurring
  • Stock found near loading bays or warehouse doors
  • Staff behaviour such as refusing to take on different tasks, or unusual working hours, and
  • Duplicated or missing documentation.

Give proper thought to your warehouse security camera system

Of course, you can’t be onsite 24/7 to monitor for these problems and warning signs, which is why your warehouse security camera system is such an important consideration. The presence of even simple security cameras for warehouse monitoring will act as a deterrent to theft, but you can go far beyond this.

Consider security cameras for warehouse use such as the Spectur HD5 that will not only provide exceptional clarity and range in footage to prove employee theft, but also offers the option to instantly flood the area with light and a spoken message to deter any thieves who prefer to do their work ‘after hours’. When configured to do so, the built-in Artificial Intelligence system will trigger action when it detects people or vehicles in the warehouse that shouldn’t be there. Your security team receives an instant notification so they can make their way onsite. And with economical pricing to hire or buy, the warehouse security camera system could soon pay for itself in reduced crime and theft.

Spectur’s security cameras for warehouse use can be installed without internet cabling and a simple powered connection indoors, or fully standalone, wireless and solar powered outdoors, to suit your needs.

Consider cycle counting

If you’re finding that significant stock is disappearing between annual stock takes, then you might consider moving to a cycle counting model where stock is more regularly counted by your choice of location, category or vendor. By taking stock regularly and in small lots, this will enable you to pinpoint and focus on any discrepancies faster and strategically direct security systems to catch the thief or thieves.

Educate employees about company policy on theft

While employee education may not stop the most desperate of thieves, it can reduce the most opportunistic. Consider setting up an anonymous channel where staff can report suspicious behaviour from team members. Take the time to reinforce your zero-tolerance policies about theft with employees, and explain the outcomes for anyone who is found violating the policy. And using clear footage from your warehouse security camera system, actively follow through should any incidents occur to reinforce the message.

Improve leadership visibility

Another key aspect of managing warehouse theft prevention is stepping up your leadership visibility in the warehouse or distribution centre. This might be through unplanned walk-throughs or audits where you can spot-check entrances and loading docks. In many cases, simply checking in with teams in an informal way will make it clear that leadership is actively engaged with the workforce and discourage unwanted issues.

Maintain distances between warehouse zones

Wherever possible, the last tip is to create large and open spaces around your loading docks or cargo doors, both internally and externally. This provides a clear view for your warehouse or factory security camera systems  to capture any stock that might be sitting around but not intended for an order. Private car parks should also be located well away from warehouse doors or docks.

These simple tips for warehouse theft prevention can help you to address, manage and reduce the occurrence of theft in your warehouse, factories and logistics hubs. If you are looking for theft prevention systems and other security solutions for warehouses, then consider Australian-designed and manufactured Spectur systems. Our team would be happy to discuss the right solution for your needs.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

Recent Post

Press Release

Spectur unveils cutting-edge camera solution

Leading provider of security, safety, environmental monitoring and AI solutions Spectur has unveiled its latest product, the HD6, a powerful single camera platform that delivers industry leading reliable and effective security and Surveillance in even the most remote locations.

Camera Systems

Are your recreational facilities summer ready

While there are instances where security guards offer the most appropriate line of defence, even the most skilled and diligent security guards can benefit from the support of surveillance technology.

Get in Touch

drop us a line and keep in touch