What should a security guard do if they suspect theft?

When a security guard suspects theft, following proper procedures is crucial to ensure safety and legal compliance. Reporting the suspicion according to established protocols allows for a professional response, involving potentially trained personnel or law enforcement, which can manage the situation effectively and minimize risks.

This approach emphasizes the significance of documentation and provides a chain of accountability. By reporting the incident, the security guard ensures that appropriate actions can be taken, such as reviewing security footage, gathering statements from witnesses, or conducting an investigation, which helps in addressing the issue comprehensively.

In contrast, confronting a suspected thief can escalate the situation and potentially lead to confrontations that could endanger the guard and others nearby. Ignoring the incident undermines the role of a security guard and puts the organization at risk, while waiting to see if emotions escalate risks missing a timely response, allowing theft to go unaddressed.