Warning Signs

A reminder: Although the warning signs described below are common to many records thieves, most people who exhibit these signs are not thieves.

If you notice these behaviors in a board member, employee, volunteer, or researcher; be alert, not suspicious. But if you see multiple warning signs, pay attention and consider taking further actions.

Insider (employee, board member or volunteer)

• Establishes his own rules
• Arrives at work early or stays late
• Leaves frequently for no obvious reason
• Is secretive about activities and sensitive when questioned
• Warns others when a supervisor approaches
• Is not a “team player”
• Does not take vacation
• Aggressively collects related materials outside of work
• Is experiencing pressures in his/her personal life which could trigger financial problems

Researcher

• Submits voluminous records requests or requests items unrelated to the stated research topic; browses rapidly through documents
• Examines materials on other tables or carts and scans materials being used by other researchers
• Distracts staff or researchers
• Seems preoccupied with the surroundings, including frequent monitoring of attendants, cameras, or mirrors; shields materials from electronic or human monitors
• Fails to remain at assigned station; moves to dark corners or visually obstructed areas; makes frequent trips to lockers, copiers, reference desks, restrooms, or outside
• Behaves obnoxiously to discourage staff attention or conversely, behaves in an overly friendly manner with staff and attempts to curry favor
• Demonstrates a sense of self-importance or “VIP” status; demands substantial attention from staff
• Fails to follow rules, even after being corrected