Bostik loses £100,000 as outsiders and own staff carry out theft and fraud

There have been seven separate incidents at adhesives manufacturing firm Bostik in the last few months.

The company, which also has a site in Leicester, has now upgraded its security and fraud detection systems.

Managing director Ciaran O'Driscoll described the incidents as 'disturbing' in a letter sent to staff, seen by the Express & Star,

The two-page note also outlined the incidents.

Three of them related to stealing including theft of manufactured products, theft of company equipment including a camera and iPads, and a theft of cash from the safe at the Stafford site on Common Road near the Tollgate Industrial Estate.

The other incidents are four alleged fraud cases including unapproved purchases of cleaning materials, staff claiming overtime which they have not worked, collections of goods made on false orders and fraudulent credit and debit card purchases.

Mr O'Driscoll said: "Unfortunately, Bostik has been the subject of a number of successful internal and external fraud attempts over recent months.

"The direct combined cost to our business is in excess of £100,000 and this will directly affect our profitability this year.

"I find it most disturbing that some of the people we work alongside have been involved in this criminal behaviour, and I am sure you will feel the same way."

Mr O'Driscoll also implored staff to report any suspicious activity.

The letter added: "The company operates a zero tolerance policy with respect to fraud and theft and will vigorously pursue anyone, including employees, proven to be the perpetrators of such acts. The company will also refer any such cases to the police and assist with prosecution through legal channels where appropriate.

"We have also been reviewing, and will continue to upgrade our systems, procedures and policies, to ensure they prevent, or bring about early detection of, any fraudulent activity.

"I would encourage everyone in the business to remain vigilant at all times, to both internal and external fraudulent activity.

"Any suspicious behaviour should be brought to the attention of senior management immediately.

"It is only through this collective responsibility towards eradicating fraud that we can ensure the long term security of employment for the vast majority of honest people who come to work for Bostik on a daily basis."

The company did not wish to provide any more detail or comment further on the individual incidents when approached by the Express & Star.

While Staffordshire Police was unable to confirm if any action had been taken, particularly in the theft cases, without Bostik providing the dates.