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Internal Theft Investigations
Find out where the losses are coming from.
Missing stock or unexplained cash shortfalls raise hard questions about people you rely on. TJS conducts internal theft investigations that document the facts before anyone is accused.
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Speak to an Investigator (888) 600-0261
01. Overview
Losses need explanations, not guesses.
Shrinkage that keeps rising, register counts that don’t reconcile, or equipment that leaves and doesn’t come back can strain a business financially and erode trust inside the team.
An internal theft investigation looks at how the loss could be happening and who had the opportunity. TJS Private Investigations, based in Houston, Texas, reviews available records, observes activity where lawful, and coordinates interviews with management or counsel so the facts are gathered in an orderly way.
A loss is not proof of theft. Counting errors, process gaps, and vendor mistakes can look similar at first. We keep an open mind until the evidence points somewhere specific.
Situations where an internal theft investigation can help:
- Rising or unexplained inventory shrinkage
- Cash handling or register discrepancies
- Missing tools, equipment, or supplies
- Personal use or resale of company property
- Irregular refunds, voids, or adjustments
- Product leaving through loading or delivery areas
- Tips or complaints from staff about possible theft
02. Capabilities
Follow the loss back to its source.
Records Review
Examine the inventory, cash, and access records you provide to identify when and where losses appear.
Pattern Analysis
Compare shifts, locations, and timing to narrow down when discrepancies tend to occur.
Lawful Surveillance
Observe relevant activity in areas where observation is lawful, such as parking areas or off-site meetings. See our surveillance services.
Interview Coordination
Plan interviews with management or counsel so they are fair, consistent, and documented.
Evidence Preservation
Advise on keeping records, footage, and physical items intact so they remain useful later.
03. Our Investigators
Careful work protects everyone involved.
An accusation made too early can damage a working relationship, expose a business to complaints, and alert the person responsible. Our investigators build the picture first and keep conclusions tied to what the evidence supports.
TJS brings more than 17 years of investigative experience to this work. We operate within lawful limits, respect employee privacy where the law protects it, and tell you clearly if the findings point to a process problem rather than theft.
04. What Clients Receive
Findings organized for your next decision.
Depending on the scope and available evidence, your report may include:
- A summary of the reported loss and agreed scope
- An analysis of when and where discrepancies occurred
- Observations with dates, times, and locations
- Photographs or video where lawfully obtained
- Notes from coordinated interviews
- A record of how evidence was handled
- Open questions and recommended areas for review
The report describes what was found within the scope of the investigation. It does not guarantee that every loss has been explained or that recovery is possible.
05. Why Choose TJS
Quiet, methodical, and fair.
Experienced
More than 17 years of investigations and 532+ cases closed.
Discreet
We work quietly so the investigation doesn’t disrupt your operation or tip anyone off.
Evidence-Focused
Conclusions stay tied to records and observations, not suspicion.
Clear Communication
Regular updates and a plain explanation of what the evidence shows.
06. How It Works
Start with what you’ve noticed.
- 01.
Share What You’ve Seen
Tell us about the losses, the time period, and who has access to the affected areas.
- 02.
Plan the Approach
We agree on scope, lawful methods, who is informed internally, timing, and cost.
- 03.
Investigate and Preserve
Investigators review records, observe where lawful, and help keep evidence intact.
- 04.
Report the Findings
You receive an organized report and a discussion of what it does and doesn’t establish.
07. Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about employee theft.
1. How do I know if employee theft is causing my losses?
Often you can’t tell at first. Theft, recording errors, and supplier problems can produce similar numbers. An investigation helps separate those possibilities.
2. Should I confront the employee I suspect?
We generally advise against it before the facts are gathered. Early confrontation can be unfair to the employee and may lead to lost evidence.
3. What should I do with records and footage?
Keep them unaltered and limit who handles them. We discuss preservation steps at the start of the assignment.
4. Can the findings be used by police or in court?
Our reports are prepared to be clear and well documented. Whether and how they are used is a decision for you and your attorney.
5. Do you investigate theft by vendors or contractors?
Yes, when it relates to your business. Billing or vendor schemes may fall under our fraud investigations service.
08. Next Steps
Talk to us before you act.
Tell us what you’ve noticed and what you’ve already checked. If the concern involves wider conduct issues, our employee investigations may also apply.
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Get the facts before you accuse.
Describe the losses in confidence. We’ll explain how we would investigate and what the evidence could establish.
Speak to an Investigator (888) 600-0261
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