Originally published in December 2022. Updated October 2025.

Protecting your organization from internal and external theft is an important risk management tactic to reduce loss and claims. Theft may rise as inflation and prices rise, and fraternal organizations become a target for thieves hoping to grab cash, food, alcohol and other valuables.

Even in times of economic stability, theft remains a significant risk for fraternal organizations. Follow these tips for protecting your organization from internal and external theft.

Common Types of Theft Against Posts

Coin Theft

The money sitting in vending machines, bill changers and coin laundries is an attractive target for thieves. Worse yet, this theft often involves vandalism to get to the money, which may leave your machine inoperable. Follow these facility theft prevention tips to prevent coin theft:

  • Shut windows and lock doors at night.
  • Add security plates to discourage tampering.
  • Install a surveillance camera in the room.
  • Consider a system that offers cashless payment options.

Building Component Theft

Theft of copper, aluminum, nickel, stainless steel and even iron is on the rise. Copper tubing from exterior HVAC components, plus pipes, wires and other materials are also at risk. These thefts are costly, so follow these tips to avoid them:

  • Protect fixtures such as A/C units with locked metal cages.
  • Remove access to building roofs, such as overhanging tree limbs or unsecured ladders.
  • Trim back or remove shrubbery that provides cover for thieves near components.
  • Consider installing motion-activated exterior lighting and/or a security camera.

Tool and Equipment Theft

Unsecured tools are attractive to thieves because they can be resold online at a profit. Even small tools can have a high value, and if they’re unsecured they could easily disappear. To make sure these tools and equipment are there when you need them, follow these tips:

  • Use an engraving tool to add ownership and contact information to tools.
  • Spray paint or mark tools to diminish their potential fencing value.
  • Store power tools without the batteries and chargers.
  • Invest in a heavy-duty storage cabinet that’s difficult to pry open and too heavy to remove.
  • Add stickers and warning signs about surveillance and alarms to deter thieves.

A/V System Theft

Some equipment can be safely locked away after an event, but this usually isn’t the case with audio-visual equipment. Even when not in use, costly speakers, sound mixing boards and video projectors often sit out in the open, secured only by a few screws. Follow these tips:

  • Ensure an outer secure perimeter of locked doors and closed windows.
  • Have multiple layers of security to discourage theft.
  • Install asset-specific protection, like bolt-down ties and equipment cages.
  • Consider adding security cameras and/or an alarm system.

Cash Box Theft

Cash box theft risk is particularly high, from both inside and outside your organization. It can be difficult to catch someone skimming off the top, and cash boxes are also small and portable, making them attractive for thieves before, during and after your event. These tips can help prevent cash box theft:

  • Start events with just enough cash to make change and run the till.
  • Ensure someone always attends to the cash box during the event.
  • Assign shifts to help identify unusual transaction patterns.
  • Limit how much you keep in the box while doing business.
  • Consider adding an under-the-counter drop box or smart safe bill accepter.

Alcohol Theft

According to the National Restaurant Association, the toll from alcohol theft amounts to billions of dollars annually. Theft risk exists both inside and outside your organization, so it’s important to have procedures in place to spot and deter theft.

  • Store alcohol supplies in locked cabinets or lockable storage rooms.
  • Check gin, vodka and other bottles for any dilution of the contents.
  • Supervise and spot-check to ensure procedures are being followed.
  • Verify inventory at least monthly, being on the lookout for any anomalies.

Protecting Your Organization from Internal Theft

While you hope the most upstanding citizens are part of your organization, it is always best to err on the side of caution by reducing temptation and implementing policies and procedures.

  • Select the right employees. Conduct reference and background checks on applicants before hiring. Be consistent and make sure that if you screen one candidate you screen all candidates.
  • Require volunteer training and signed waivers. Have your volunteers complete any necessary training and require all volunteers to sign this waiver before they begin work. An updated waiver should be completed annually.
  • Treat and pay employees fairly. When employees feel cheated or devalued, they are more likely to justify theft.
  • Have an open-door policy. Employees, members and volunteers are most aware of areas vulnerable to fraud. Talk to them and ask for their help in reporting possible areas of concern.
  • Create a culture of accountability. Conduct regular, unannounced third-party audits and have policies in place for the handling of cash, donations, check writing and expense payouts.

Protecting Your Organization from External Theft

Protecting your organization from external theft is crucial, too.

  • Limit cash. Keep cash on premises to a minimum by making frequent bank deposits at varied times.
  • Take safety measures with the cash box. Start events with just enough cash to make change and run the till and ensure someone always attends to the cash box during the event. Consider adding an under-the-counter drop box or smart safe bill accepter.
  • Protect food and beverage supplies. Store food and alcohol supplies in locked cabinets or lockable storage rooms. Supervise and spot-check to ensure procedures are being followed. Verify inventory at least monthly, being on the lookout for any anomalies.
  • Invest in security cameras and alarms. Place security cameras inside and out to reduce the potential for theft and fraud. Inspect and maintain security alarms regularly to ensure they are in proper operating condition.

Protect Your Organization with Insurance from Lockton Affinity

Organizations that take theft seriously often see a reduction in losses and higher employee, member and volunteer satisfaction. However, theft can remain a challenge for even the most careful organizations.

Protect your organization from loss with Property insurance from Lockton Affinity. Our dedicated insurance representatives have been trained to understand the risks Posts face, so a quick call will help ensure your property is properly insured.