The link between spy gadgets and spy movies is obvious. Some say it first emerged with James Bond to reassure us that we really were winning the Cold War.  And those gadgets were indeed ludicrous: bulletproof pyjamas, a cigarette lighter that doubled as a .22-calibre gun, a lipstick that could record conversations or release poisonous gas.  They were clearly theatrical and were like nothing you would expect to find or would even make sense in real life.   But now, many companies are being forced to look at some of the less fanciful spy gadgets, especially those associated with covert surveillance, in a very real life application.

Employers need to be on red alert as the economic downturn forces many workers to find extra cash dishonestly. The prospect of “spying” on your staff and employees is never a pleasant thing. But the unpleasant reality is that the economic crisis is fuelling crime. 31 police forces across England and Wales reported a dramatic rise in acquisitive crimes during the last four months of 2008. 5,572 more cases of acquisitive crime took place during those months than the previous year.

Recent figures showed that employee fraud cost UK companies more than £77m in the first half of 2008 - up from just £10m in the same period the previous year. Spiralling personal debt fuelled by mortgage, food and fuel price hikes is making workers desperate. Companies throughout the UK are beginning to realise the importance of getting to grips with the fraudulent activity of their staff.
Some form of business fraud is currently being committed by an estimated 1 in 5 staff according to recent figures, so employers need hard, incontrovertible proof, if they are to tackle the problem.  Spy gadgets can assist in this task by closely monitoring employee activities utilising specialist covert cameras and recording equipment or vehicle tracking equipment if you’re dealing with suspected fraud in a mobile sales force for example.   By sending out a clear message to employees that fraud in the workplace is unacceptable the employer will be able to control the situation and probably reduce operating costs.