Six Amazon security staff at the Rugeley depot, aged between 29 and 57, have been arrested by police suspected of theft at the Staffordshire fulfilment centre. It is thought that as much as a quarter of a million quids worth of ‘high value’ goods may have stolen over a six month period.
Although this cannot be confirmed, and media reports vary, apparently the allegedly stolen goods include laptops and consoles.
ICTS Ltd. employs the guards and they said in a statement: “We are working with the authorities. It would be imprudent to comment at this time.” It’s reported that cars were searched after Amazon tipped off the police. Amazon itself has not made comment.
Chris has visited this fulfilment centre in the Midlands and reports that security was incredibly tight. All the visitors (a group of Tamebay readers attended the tour) were allowed to take in were keys and a mobile. No bags were permitted and as a matter of course visitors coming and going are scanned, rather like at an airport. It would be incredibly difficult to get goods stored at the establishment out. Two of the arrests were made for suspicion of theft. The other four men were detained on suspicion of plotting to steal.
Amazon holds a significant position of trust for many sellers when it comes to holding stock at their warehouses. Especially if you’re using FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon), you expect Amazon to be as responsible for your wares as they take care of them as you would be yourself.
It’s vital for sellers to trust Amazon security measures, and whilst there is no suggestion here that they have done anything but the right thing and called in the police, it is surprising that the otherwise fastidious Amazon machine finds itself in this uncomfortable situation.
It’s not the first time this FC in Rugeley has been the subject of news. Late last year a fire there damaged an estimated £3m of stock.
