Pilferage is referred to as the theft of part or all contents of a package, or even leaving the package, resealed with spurious items inside. For example, small-sized packages can be pilfered from a large package, such as a shipping container. Other theft aspects could be taking the entire package, truck load, shoplifting, pallet load, etc.
In such cases, good store-keeping is the only solution that can help an organization to protect its stores from all sorts of damages, theft and pilferage. In order to maintain proper storage, the quality and value of materials should not be deteriorated. The protection of materials is dependent upon its nature. Nevertheless, all materials need airy, well-ventilated and fireproof storerooms. Since storage measures may vary from one time to another, a proper understanding of the material chemistry is critical. Workers handling the store need to be trained on the special characteristics of the materials, which should then ensure these measures are taken care of. Constant material verification is a necessity to effectively operate the stores department, verify stock records for accuracy, and check for system weaknesses and the possibility of damage and pilferage, if any, for immediate rectification. Stock verification is a blessing in disguise for effective material handling – controls and procedures.