Combine the area of responsibility for hotel safety and security with that of information technology (IT).

Ensure the hotels’ information security defenses are as effective and up-to-date as possible.

Positive Steps to Minimize Risk Include:

The proper maintenance of existing security and safety equipment and procedures

Careful consideration of potential vulnerability

Controlled access to nonpublic areas of the property

The screening (background checks) of employee applicants

Management training 

Regular participation in “best practices” discussions with hoteliers who face similar threats and with local law enforcement officials who can provide guidance

Cash is not the only hotel asset that can be stolen by dishonest employees. In fact, the number and type of assets that can be unlawfully taken by employees is large.

These three loss areas involve the stealing of company time, property, or services.

Hotels are open around the clock and, are susceptible to asset threats at any time of day or night. Guests or nonguests can pose these threats.

As in the case of protecting assets from threats posed by employees, managers, protecting hotel assets from the illegal activities of nonemployees must guards both cash and non-cash assets.

GMs and front-office managers must have systems in place that minimize the chances for employees fraud.

In regard to room revenue fraud, one significant detection tool that managers can use is the housekeeping DISCREPANCY REPORT.

Theft of the housekeeping supplies including in-room amenities, terry cloth linens, and bedding.

Much more sensitive housekeeping issues, involves theft of guest items from guest rooms by room attendant or other employees. When guests travel, they often keep valuables in their rooms.

The guest actually is mistaken, and the item reported stolen has been misplaced.

The guest is attempting to defraud the hotel.

The theft was committed but by another guest.

A hotel employees, in fact, committed the theft.