Daniel Iyinoluwa, a security expert, urged potential employers on Wednesday to undertake proper background checks before engaging their house helps.

Mr Iyinoluwa said in Lagos that the appeal became necessary due to the alarming cases of stealing, murder and other heinous crimes perpetrated by domestic workers.

He said a background check would help assess the prospective client’s character, background, and psychiatric and mental conditions before engaging him or her.

Mr Iyinoluwa, the owner of Premier Guard Security Ltd., contended that screening and background checks of prospective domestic employees would help curb the real and potential risks posed to employers.

“The first and most important factor to consider before hiring a help is the safety and security of your family. Poor or no background checks can lead to untold consequences.

“Personal information of domestic employees, including their parents’ information, next of kin, guarantors and referees, must be satisfactorily verified before employment. Get a full recent picture of the help and a photocopy of his or her National Identification Number (NIN).

“It is also advisable that police verification is done to confirm whether the person has criminal records or if he or she is wanted by the police for a crime,” he said.

According to the expert, employers should install closed-circuit Television (CCTV) in their homes, as footage from such cameras has exposed many atrocities perpetrated by home help.

He urged employers to keep employees’ information about cash transactions, family success, and other vital matters private.

In the same vein, the assistant inspector general of police (AIG) in charge of the Zone 2 command, Olatoye Durosinmi, urged the public to fully vet the staff they engage.

(NAN)