How Should We Handle a Theft Incident Without CCTV Evidence? Seeking Advice

Dear Sir/Madam,

Yesterday, some production materials were stolen from the production line in our company. Due to the unavailability of CCTV cameras on that line, we are helpless in taking any action. Please advise on the necessary actions to be taken and for issuing a notice regarding this incident.

Thank you.

You have to call the production line manager or another authorized person, like the line supervisor, to explain their view. Theft is a cause that could not be initiated without setting up a watch and ward department and involving other concerned persons in a running unit. Hence, call the relevant individuals in this matter and direct them to detect the place where such incidents have taken place. In a difficult decision, if no one is forthcoming, give notice to the concerned supervisor for showing negligence while executing their duties.

Regards,
R B Rao
Advocate

Dear Adv RB Yadav, While the theft of production material is a significant concern, we also need to consider whether the production supervisor or manager was truly responsible. There are factories where these two individuals handle numerous tasks simultaneously. In such cases, it is nearly impossible to safeguard the production material.

Secondly, was there proper handling or transfer of the material when it moved from one section to another? If not, this indicates a systemic failure.

Thirdly, if the material disappears from the production line, what is the role of security at the front gate? How did the material pass through the security gate? This incident highlights security weaknesses as well. Again, it comes down to the number of security guards at the gate and their duties. I have observed that some security offices maintain numerous registers. Completing the information in these registers is time-consuming, often resulting in security supervisors becoming mere security clerks.

Therefore, it is crucial to take a holistic view and order a domestic inquiry. We may assign blame to an individual, but systemic failures may remain unaddressed. It is important to examine organizational failures first and then individual failures.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar