Which of the following could be a possible sign of theft?

Identifying potential signs of theft is an essential skill for an unarmed security guard. In this context, signs of tampering with storage containers are a strong indicator of theft because it suggests that someone may have attempted to access the contents within those containers without proper authority. This kind of evidence points to possible illicit activity, such as someone trying to steal items that are being kept secured.

In a situation where containers are tampered with, it implies a deliberate intent to engage in theft or at least to misappropriate the items contained within. The physical signs of tampering, such as broken seals or locks, absence of items, or disorganized contents are concrete evidence that theft may be taking place, warranting further investigation.

While the other choices might raise suspicions, they don't carry the same direct implication of theft. An open desk drawer during working hours is often a normal occurrence, especially in busy environments. A single complaint about a missing jacket could be due to reasons other than theft, such as simple misplacing. A visitor lingering in the lobby might be waiting for an appointment or might simply be lost, which doesn't inherently suggest any criminal activity. In contrast, tampering with storage containers provides a clear and concrete indication of potential theft that warrants immediate attention and