Embezzlement

• A person commits embezzlement when they wrongfully take, steal, or use property belonging to another by virtue of one’s office, trust, or employment.
  • Examples: 
    • A corporate admin adds company funds to their own bank account that were supposed to be sent to a not-for-profit organization. 
    • A grocery cashier takes small amounts of money out of his/her cash drawer for personal use. 
    • A supervisor is given a company credit card to purchase supplies for a company event. The supervisor uses the card for personal use instead of its intended purpose. 

The Arlington County Police Department can investigate crimes that occur within the jurisdiction of Arlington. If the crime occurred outside of Arlington County, you should contact that jurisdiction for prosecution.

• File an online report with the Arlington County Police Department.
• Save all documentation that leads you to believe a crime has occurred. This could include bank statements, emails, credit card use agreements, contracts, text messages, and/or receipts. 

• Accountability and oversight are key to identifying theft. Have checks and balances in place. 
• Have more than one person who has access to, and reviews financial statements. 
• More than one person is needed for purchase authorization. 
• Require receipts with each purchase.
• Make sure there is a clear understanding of company policy and what is and is not acceptable.