--- title: What is Time Theft and What Can You Do About it? description: When you think of employee theft, you likely think of employees stealing cash, inventory, and other tangible property. But that isn’t the only form of theft. image: https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2022/time.png --- [Blog](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog) [Categories](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-is-time-theft-and-what-can-you-do-about-it#) - [Verified Security Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-security-alarms) - [Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security) - [CCTV Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance) - [Retail Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security) - [Security Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-tips) - [Building Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/building-access-control) - [Office Workplace Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-workplace-security) - [Verified Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-video-surveillance) - [SonaVision Online Monitoring](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision-online-monitoring) - [Prevent False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-false-alarms) - [Verified Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-alarms) - [Security for Construction Sites](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-construction-sites) - [Construction Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction-security) - [Office Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-building-security) - [Security for Auto Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-auto-dealerships) - [Restaurant Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurant-security) - [Monitored Audio Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/monitored-audio-alarms) - [CCTV](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv) - [Pharmacy and Drug Store Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/pharmacy-and-drug-store-security) - [Security Audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-audit) - [Small Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/small-business-security) - [Managed Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/managed-access-control) - [Prevent Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-copper-theft) - [Security for Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-fenced-compounds) - [False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarms) - [Police Response to Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-to-sonitrol) - [Security for Marijuana Grow-Ops](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-marijuana-grow-ops) - [Crime Prevention Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/crime-prevention-tips) - [Security Systems for Schools](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-systems-for-schools) - [CCTV Versus Sonavision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-versus-sonavision) - [School Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/school-security) - [Security for Pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-pharmacies) - [Security for Warehouses & Manufacturing](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-warehouses-manufacturing) - [Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fenced-compounds) - [Government Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-building-security) - [Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/business-security) - [Keyless Entry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-entry) - [Police Response Times](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-times) - [Professional Office Seccurity](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/professional-office-seccurity) - [Security for Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-place-of-worship) - [SonaVision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision) - [Automotive](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/automotive) - [Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/dealerships) - [Keyless Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-access-control) - [Retail](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail) - [Verified Reponse](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-reponse) - [Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/copper-theft) - [Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/surveillance) - [Workplace security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/workplace-security) - [vandalism](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/vandalism) - [Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/access-control) - [Audio Intrusion](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/audio-intrusion) - [Equipment](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/equipment) - [Financial Institutions](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/financial-institutions) - [Legal Marijuana Grow-Op Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/legal-marijuana-grow-op-security) - [Offices](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/offices) - [Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/place-of-worship) - [commercial security audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security-audit) - [Cannabis Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cannabis-security) - [Church](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/church) - [Criminal Apprehension](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-apprehension) - [Guaranteed Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/guaranteed-commercial-security) - [Restaurants](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurants) - [employee theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/employee-theft) - [Construction](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction) - [False Alarm Permits](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarm-permits) - [Fraud](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fraud) - [Government Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-security) - [Technology](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/technology) - [criminal captures](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-captures) - [education](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/education) # What is Time Theft and What Can You Do About it? ![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png) by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson) January 09, 2023 ![time](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2022/time.png?width=1200&height=600&name=time.png)When you think of [employee theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/employee-theft-7-ways-it-could-be-happening-in-your-restaurant), you likely think of employees stealing cash, inventory, and other tangible property. But that isn’t the only form of theft. Employees can also steal from your business through time theft. Just recently, a[manager resigned](https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-areas/employment-law/ontario-manager-resigns-to-avoid-investigation-into-time-theft/371982) from his position to avoid an investigation into time theft, which would have required him to pay back a substantial amount of wages for time that was misused. [![25 Misconceptions about commercial security systems eBook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/1e89a77a-ffa6-41b0-a344-42aa12d284e3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/1e89a77a-ffa6-41b0-a344-42aa12d284e3) **What is time theft?** Time theft is the unauthorized use of an employer's time. It can take the form of employees taking longer breaks or lunch periods, or using company time or resources to shop or complete personal errands. It can also include reporting false hours or falsifying time cards. This may seem like a minor issue, but it can cause significant losses to a business. Time theft can also be contagious, with more workers taking advantage of an employer’s time as they see others doing it successfully. **How to prevent employee time theft** To combat time theft, there are a number of steps employers can take: **1. Implement stricter policies** In order to combat time theft, employers should develop policies that clearly define the rules and expectations around employee work hours and the use of company resources. **2. Train employees** Employees should be trained to understand the expectations and any violations should be addressed quickly and consistently. Be clear when explaining what time theft is and how it affects the bottom line, wage increases, and more. **3. Monitor and penalize** Regularly reviewing employee work hours and taking action when necessary is key to preventing time theft. Follow up with employees who are seen breaking the rules and take the necessary disciplinary action. **4. Invest in recruiting and retention** It’s also important to hire and retain quality staff who will respect the company’s time and resources. Spend time sourcing, selecting and onboarding the right team members who will be dedicated and hardworking. **5. Track time** Employers should track time accurately and monitor employee hours closely to ensure they comply with the policy. You can use software to track time electronically and eliminate falsified time cards or manual punch cards that can easily be abused. [Video surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/sonitrol-sonavision-video-monitoring-cctv-surveillance) can also be an effective way to monitor your employee’s use of time. While used primarily for security purposes to protect your business, your customers and your staff, video surveillance can also provide you better oversight over your employees so that you can be sure they are working when they are being paid to do so. As an added bonus, keycards will track when employees check-in/out and enter/leave the premises so that you don’t have to depend on them to provide the correct time card information.  Want to learn more? [Get in touch with Sonitrol Western Canada today](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/contact-sonitrol-western-canada). [![Free Security Audit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/5281e424-fbc1-4fa0-98e4-4c5fc213d4ce.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/5281e424-fbc1-4fa0-98e4-4c5fc213d4ce)   **Tags: ** [Office Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-building-security) ![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png) Post by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson) January 09, 2023 We provide our customers with the best commercial security solutions and quality service backed by our unique Guarantee and Commitment to Service. It's something unverified conventional alarm companies simply cannot guarantee! ### Related Articles ##### [![What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Security%20in%202026%20Whats%20Changed%2c%20What%20Hasnt%2c%20and%20What%20Your%20Business%20Actually%20Needs%20Blog%20Post.png?width=520&height=294&name=Security%20in%202026%20Whats%20Changed%2c%20What%20Hasnt%2c%20and%20What%20Your%20Business%20Actually%20Needs%20Blog%20Post.png) Verified Video Surveillance • June 05, 2026 What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026 8 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-your-ai-camera-cant-see-commercial-security-systems-2026) ##### [![How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/How%20to%20Stop%20Break-Ins%20at%20Commercial%20Properties%20and%20Why%20Most%20Businesses%20Are%20Getting%20It%20Wrong.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=How%20to%20Stop%20Break-Ins%20at%20Commercial%20Properties%20and%20Why%20Most%20Businesses%20Are%20Getting%20It%20Wrong.jpg) Verified Video Surveillance • April 27, 2026 How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong 8 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-stop-break-ins-at-commercial-properties-and-why-most-businesses-are-getting-it-wrong) ##### [![What Does ‘Integrated Security’ Really Mean, And Why Should You Care?](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SON%20blog%204.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=SON%20blog%204.jpg) Commercial Security • December 17, 2025 What Does ‘Integrated Security’ Really Mean, And Why Should You Care? 3 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-does-integrated-security-really-mean-and-why-should-you-care) ### Subscribe to Sonitrol Blog Updates Stay up to date with the industry's leading news, products and information. ###### Recent Posts - [What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-your-ai-camera-cant-see-commercial-security-systems-2026) - [How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-stop-break-ins-at-commercial-properties-and-why-most-businesses-are-getting-it-wrong) - [Are Business Alarm Systems Worth it? A Risk-Based Breakdown](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/are-business-alarm-systems-worth-it-a-risk-based-breakdown) - [Why Businesses Switch to Sonitrol Verified Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-businesses-switch-to-sonitrol-verified-security) - [Why Every Business Should Get a Commercial Security Audit Before Choosing a System](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-every-business-should-get-a-commercial-security-audit-before-choosing-a-system) ![sonitrol-guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/sonitrol-guide.png?width=219&height=200&name=sonitrol-guide.png) ##### Learn what the competition isn't telling you about commercial security systems Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective, and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery. [Download Guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/25-misconceptions-about-commercial-alarm-systems-and-problems-with-conventional-cctv-alarms) ![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg) ![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg) Free eBook: Learn What The Competition Isn't Telling You About Commercial Security Systems #### There are lots of problems with conventional, commercial security alarm systems that you need to know about. Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery. [![Read the Free Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554)