When product disappears…

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Businesses are evaluated by their ability to deliver products and services to their customers or clients in a timely fashion while maintaining a high level of service and remaining profitable.

The key components of businesses that allow them to deliver on these promises are their supply chains and business processes.  Any disruption to the supply chain or business processes can cause a variety of issues (delays in material deliveries, delayed shipments, increased expenses, unhappy customers).

The Problem:

Unknown male is breaking into the yard of a client and is stealing precious metals at all hours of the night and early morning.  The aluminum that is being stolen has significant value and is costing the company thousands of dollars each week.  Additionally the ongoing theft is causing the employees to be concerned about their safety.

Implications:

Cash flow is impacted, as additional metal must be purchased to meet production goals.  The loss may have to be reported to an insurance carrier, which could cause a spike in premiums.  Employee’s time will be spent viewing security camera footage and possibly being interviewed, which decreases production.  The possibility of the theft being internal or coordinated by a vendor or partner must be addressed and investigated.  Time and resources must be devoted to investigate and stop the theft.

Process:

  • Review and preserve security camera footage
  • Interview neighboring business and request to review security camera footage
  • Stationary surveillance to identify suspect(s)
  • Conduct research of vehicle ownership records to positively identify the suspect
  • Notify law enforcement
  • Background investigation conducted on suspect to determine if he/she has a criminal history
  • Provide statements and turnover evidence to law enforcement (photos, video, research)
  • Training/Consultation on best practices to mitigate future theft

Results:

  • Arrest/Conviction of suspects
  • Secure facility
  • Restore employee’s faith in the company and overall personal safety
  • Bottom line is strengthened because supplies are being utilized to the fullest

The Facts:

According to an insurance research organization metal theft claims have risen by 36 percent since January of 2010.

In an article found in the Insurance Journal, according the NICB, “The damage caused by these thefts is often several times the value of the metal stolen, leaving the victims with hefty repair costs which are often passed on to insurance companies.”

The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that metal theft costs U.S. Businesses around $1 billion a year.

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Surveillance…for what?

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The use of surveillance as a strategy is something that attorneys, insurance companies, brand owners and businesses are utilizing to develop crucial evidence & information.

Here are some example of how you might utilize surveillance:

  • Insurance Fraud / Workers’ Compensation (Determine employee’s activity level)
  • Premises Liability (Buildings, Offices, Construction Sites)
  • Asset Searches / Judgment Recovery (Employment, Businesses, Banks)
  • Job Site Monitoring (Misstatement of Time/Labor, Materials theft, Accidents)
  • Trade Secrets Theft
  • Non-Compete Violations
  • Competitive Intelligence (Raw Material Shipments, Finished Product, Staffing, Operations)
  • Political Intelligence (Discreet meetings, Alliances, Background)
  • Improper use of company time (FMLA, Workers’ Compensation)
  • Environmental Issues
  • Auto Accidents (Cross-walks, Lighting, Traffic Light Timing)
  • Threat Detection / Mitigation
  • Improper use of residential or commercial property
  • Trademark Infringement / Counterfeiting

In order to obtain the information and evidence that you need engage with a licensed and experienced private investigator who conducts surveillance on regular basis.  A trusted investigator will maintain current equipment, utilize a discreet surveillance vehicle and be able to conduct the surveillance investigation without being made or burned.  We also suggest that any invoices, reports, case notes or communications regarding your surveillance investigations should be directed toward your attorney to keep the information privileged and confidential.

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Workers’ Comp- What is it costing you?

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Insurance costs rising? Corporate culture affected? Frustration? Decrease in production? Increased training costs?

These days as we meet with clients we seem to always hit a hot button when we get on the topic of Workers’ Compensation. The rising cost of Workers’ Compensation Insurance really impacts small businesses.

The main frustration that our clients have is that so many claims are filed and the insurance company would rather settle the claims than aggressively fight them off. Companies want to send a message to their employees that Workers’ Compensation claims that are fraudulent will not be tolerated. A settlement check from the insurance company sends a contrary message. We encourage clients to work in cooperation with their insurance carrier and investigator to develop the evidence required to defend claims.

Workers’ Compensation claims drastically impact a businesses ability to provide raises to employees, improve systems and keep them profitable.

We find that it is important to constantly remind employees of the negative effects of filing fraudulent Workers’ Compensation Claims. In fact employers often bring us in to present to their employees about the effects of Workers’ Compensation claims on the business. Additionally, during our presentations the employees are reminded that their employer will be thoroughly investigating all claims. We also recommend that employers conduct thorough pre-employment background checks on prospective and current employees.

What investigative services can be utilized to stop Workers’ Compensation fraud? This is a great question with a complex answer. First and foremost we would recommend that all employers make their employees aware of the need to report any and all claims immediately. We also recommend that personnel files are kept up to date in the event that a post-claim investigation is required. The most useful information in a personnel file to HR professionals, claims examiners and investigators are; current photographs, drivers’ license number, emergency contact person, updated address, job descriptions and training certificates.

Interviews/Statements- Commonly referred to as AOE/COE investigations can be conducted at the first notice of any injury/claim to obtain information from witnesses and the injured employee regarding the injury. This is a great way to document the specifics and let the employee know that injuries/accidents are treated seriously. Additionally information obtained in the AOE/COE investigation can be used later on should evidence of fraud come up.

Activity Checks– Discreet field investigations to determine the employees activity level. These checks involves checks can involve discreet interviews with neighbors to determine the employees activity level and determine if the subject is employed.

Surveillance– Discreet field surveillance can be conducted to obtained video recorded evidence of the injured workers activity level, evidence of employment and or evidence of actual injury.

Subrogation (Third Party Liability)- Investigation aimed at determining if a third party has any exposure to the liability. This type of investigation is very common when the injury was caused by machinery or equipment that is not owned or maintained by the employer.

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