What term describes a sign that suggests internal theft may be occurring?

The term "indicator" refers to a sign or signal that suggests potential internal theft or dishonest behavior within an organization. By definition, indicators can take many forms, such as unusual patterns in cash handling, discrepancies in inventory, or other behaviors that deviate from the norm in the workplace. These observations can alert loss prevention professionals to investigate further to determine whether internal theft is taking place.

Understanding these indicators is crucial for proactive loss prevention strategies, allowing businesses to address issues before they escalate. Identifying and acting upon indicators ensures that organizations can mitigate risks associated with theft and maintain a secure environment.

The other terms listed, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically denote signs of internal theft. For example, staging typically refers to setting up a scene to mislead or create a diversion, excessive force pertains to inappropriate use of physical power, and collusion involves two or more individuals working together to commit theft or fraud. None of these terms encapsulate the broad range of signs or signals associated with internal theft in the same way that "indicator" does.