All people have reasons for behaving as they do. All people have developed behavior patterns. No person changes an established behavior pattern without a significant reason. The principle of cause and effect applies to the relationship between a change in some aspect of a person's life, and an accompanying change in that person's behavior. One of the investigator's best tools for both prevention and investigation is the continuing awareness of people, and understanding the significance of the behaviors those people display.
Predictable Embezzlements are rhythmic, cyclic and predictable crimes.
Further, embezzlers generally suffer from low self-esteem, which has been repeatedly linked as a contributory factor to criminal behavior. Guilt and anxiety will cause a marked change in both the embezzler's behavior and appearance. The embezzler's own behavior often signals the investigator to narrow the investigative focus. Understanding a motive allows the investigator to also understand why an event occurs, and where to seek additional information. These symptoms are clues that are often apparent to supervisors and coworkers, who are in daily contact with the employee.