Theft and Fraud Prevention

Theft and Fraud Prevention

Note: this policy refers to allegations of theft or fraud by adults in the school.

Petty theft by students is dealt with through the school's discipline plan.

The Theft and Fraud Prevention policy enables us to:

• fulfil the board's responsibility to protect the school's resources
• fulfil the principal's responsibility to prevent and detect theft and fraud by anyone involved with the school, for example, staff, contractors, students
• have a fair and transparent system in place to investigate any allegations of theft or fraud.

To achieve this:

• The school's physical resources are kept secure and accounted for.
• The school's financial systems prevent and detect fraud and meet the requirements and standards of generally accepted accounting practice, and relevant legislation.
• Staff members inform the principal immediately if they suspect or become aware of any improper or fraudulent actions by staff, suppliers, contractors, students, or other persons associated with the school. See also Protected Disclosure.
• The school investigates any allegation of theft or fraud. The principal may decide to notify the police immediately, or may begin an investigation using the Investigate a Formal Complaint or Serious Allegation procedure. This should be done as soon as possible.

Note: Supposed or actual instances of theft or fraud can affect the rights and reputation of the person implicated. All matters related to the case are strictly confidential and all written information kept secure. Any breach of confidentiality may result in action against the person involved. Allegations can be very different. Refer specific matters to the local School Trustees Association Industrial Advisor, or to the school's legal advisor.

Theft by Students

Notify any case of theft, or suspected theft, to a teacher or school administration as soon as possible after it occurs.

If a student is accused of theft, be aware of the legislation regarding unlawful detention or search. Ask for permission to search their bags, or empty their pockets.

A student who admits a theft is managed according to the school's discipline procedure. Their parents, and if appropriate, the police are notified.

If a student denies an accusation of theft, and declines to have their bag searched, their parents should be advised and asked for support. The principal can notify the police and request their powers of search, if appropriate.