HOTEL AND HOSPITALITY

Theft can be the result of actions by employees, guests, vendors, and of course, professional thieves. Security cameras can act as a deterrent, but their real value is after the fact when the police are trying to identify the perpetrator. Ideally, security measures should prevent thefts from happening in the first place.

Stealing Hotel Property. Not long ago, hotels only needed to worry about guests pilfering towels (still a costly loss). Today, hotel rooms contain more expensive items such as flat screens and charging stations. Conference rooms contain the latest audio/visual technology. To discourage theft, bolt down TVs and chargers. Add your hotel’s name prominently on all valuable items including conference room computers and projectors. Thieves don’t want to have to remove a hotel’s name from an item if they hope to sell it. Keep an inventory of your electronics and other high-end items and perform checks regularly.

Employee Theft. Hotels are busy, transient places. The nature of the industry—where employees can enter guest rooms, have access to storage facilities and electronic equipment and help set up and take down lavish events—is a perfect setting for unscrupulous employees. That’s why background checks before employment are critical. Continue screenings even after hiring.