Nearly 6,000 employees were caught stealing last year, according to information released by 43 police forces across England and Wales.

Given the previous year totalled 5,000 cases, the increase brings the monthly rate of reporting to around 500 incidents every month.

And Gloucestershire's workforce isn't shy when it comes to light-fingered skills: we've risen, according to research by insurer Zurich UK, from 43 thefts per 10,000 workers in 2021 to 65 in 2022. And that means the county now comes third for professional purloining. 

If you don't trust your workforce or colleagues though, don't move to Norfolk or Lincolnshire: they are now respectively second and first for 9-5 felony.

Employee theft ranges from petty pilfering of office supplies to the theft of data and embezzlement of company funds. As we reported yesterday  in Punchline, the issue is a management migraine.

Although overall numbers are low, Zurich reports an increase in commercial crime claims, including employee theft, which can leave firms facing average losses of £140,000.

Recent handled claims include a £150,000 theft by a ring of employees at a food manufacturer and a £50,000 claim from a double-glazing firm defrauded by its finance manager.

Rose Sutton, a senior claims expert, said: "As cost of living pressures mount, employee theft has significantly increased, suggesting some workers could be turning to desperate measures to make ends meet.

"The consequences of employee theft can be devastating for companies, resulting in reduced profits, lower staff morale and in extreme cases, even bankruptcy. Consumers also lose out through higher prices."

Preventative measures, says Zurich, should include insurance to act as a safety net.

"Firms can reduce the risk of employee theft by implementing robust payment controls, regular audits, and a positive work culture."