Work Issues

[PamalaLauren]

I need your help.

I need a clever note to write to the person who continually sits at my desk and rifles through my things and steals things at work.

We don't share desks at work and I do lock all the important things up, but it's getting to the point where I'm going to be forced to lock up even the unimportant stuff, my pens and pads of paper, calendar, tape, stapler, etc.

I report every incident to our building admin and she forwards it on to our security but it's not stopping.

They play with my phone, they play with my highlighters and use my pads of paper to draw. They leave food like nuts and crap behind. Read through the folders I have on my desk. Play with the things I have on my desk (I'm a NASCAR fan so I have some little diecasts on my desk, not expensive and a transformer).

It's assumed it's the cleaning crew who is allowed to bring their children and the children go through things, steal candy, markers, pens, paper, etc.

We've reported it but it's not stopping so I want to put a note up so that they know I know what is happening.

I also want them to know I report it.

I'm not sure if I should be polite and just say "Please don't use my desk or touch my things." Or if I should be forceful and say, "Do Not sit at my desk and that every incident has been reported and I will continue to report them until they stop."

What do you think?

 

[thestrangequark]

I think it's time to rig your webcam to film your desk while you're away!

 

[PamalaLauren]

That has been suggested, problem is I don't think there is a way to do it. We work within a BofA building (not for them but just in their building) and well they're pretty strict about security. For it to work, we'd have to somehow have it monitor but still lock the computer out, and I'm not even sure if the computer itself would allow for any type of webcam to be plugged in and work.

But believe me it was something we were thinking about doing.

 

[thestrangequark]

^Maybe a hidden camera, then. I mean, what you're describing goes beyond leaving a note, I think.

 

[PamalaLauren]

Yeah I was just talking to someone in another department and they had issues similar and security did put up a hidden camera apparently. So I'm going to suggest that to the admin. I'm guessing security has the ability to put that into place.

And I do think this goes beyond just my desk. I know I'm not the only one who has had things stolen that's for sure.

 

[TremblingBluStar]

That has been suggested, problem is I don't think there is a way to do it. We work within a BofA building (not for them but just in their building) and well they're pretty strict about security.

Does your computer have secure, confidential information on it? If so, just the act of sitting at your desk and messing with things could be seen as a security risk.

I'd start with the polite note, saying "please don't sit here or use my office supplies", and if it continues take additional measures.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

....and well they're pretty strict about security.

It actually doesn't sound like they're too serious about security at all if these things keep happening.

As far as housekeeping, it could be the housekeepers themselves and/or their children.

Never heard about housekeeping being able to bring their children in with them. I used to be on 3rd shift where I work and they also worked at night. I'm glad they weren't allowed to bring their brats...I mean kids...in.

 

[PamalaLauren]

They're strict about security for the computers on their network. They obviously don't seem to give a rats ass about whether people are stealing from us.

My computer does have private company info on it, but I lock it before I leave work and they'd need a password and I don't write my passwords down anywhere (and lock away the ones I do).

I don't know why they are allowed to bring in the children. We have 24/7 security on site, and I would think they'd tell them no, but from what I've been told this is pretty common and the bank is fine with it. To me this presents a huge security risk, especailly on the bank side with personal information being potentially on people's desks.

 

[iguana_tonante]

Lock the important, work-related things up (you should do that in any case, and you already do it, so it's not a problem).

Forget about the rest. Why care if they play with your pens and paper? It's just stuff. Not worth worrying, or reporting it to security.

 

[PamalaLauren]

They aren't playing with my stuff, they're taking my stuff. It costs us money everytime I have to reorder things. And it's not one pen here and there, it's packs of pens, whole pads of paper, etc.

Plus I have to say, what right does anyone have to use my desk. We don't share desks here, and people don't randomly use desks here. Maybe I'm weird, but I think it's inappropriate to at the very least, use my desk without asking, and use my things without asking, seeing as my department has to pay for those things when they are replenished.

 

[C.E. Evans]

Seems like a straightforward case of theft and vandalism to me (a hidden cam is the way to go like others have suggested). But if it's little kids that are doing it, I don't see how it could be stopped unless your business creates a new policy forbidding the cleaning crew from bringing their children with them.

 

[iguana_tonante]

They aren't playing with my stuff, they're taking my stuff. It costs us money everytime I have to reorder things. And it's not one pen here and there, it's packs of pens, whole pads of paper, etc.

Plus I have to say, what right does anyone have to use my desk. We don't share desks here, and people don't randomly use desks here. Maybe I'm weird, but I think it's inappropriate to at the very least, use my desk without asking, and use my things without asking, seeing as my department has to pay for those things when they are replenished.

Of course it's inappropriate. I just don't think it's worth the hassle to contact security over and over about it, since they are obviously not going to do anything about it.

Be creative about it. Hide stink-bombs in pens. Chewing-gums in paper pads. Rubber spiders under the mouse pads. It will make them think twice.

 

[Balrog]

^pretty much this. I commend your concern of the cost to the company. Obviously, the company doesn't care. If that's the case, then neither should you. Report it, yes. But beyond that, it's not your problem to solve.

I'd go with the booby trap plan. A few well-placed gotchas around your desk may keep them away.

 

[PamalaLauren]

LOL! I was actually trying to think of things I could do to my chair that would freak them out.

Right now I currently have a well placed post it pad that says, "We are watching. Say cheese!"

 

[thestrangequark]

Imagine the epic results if you combine the booby traps and the hidden camera!

 

[scotpens]

Sounds like you may have a poltergeist. Have you considered hiring a paranormal investigator?

 

[CorporalClegg]

I say just start messing with their stuff. Then leave them notes describing (in great detail) anything and everything you've done.

Revenge is a dish best served on Post-Its.

 

[thestrangequark]

Sounds like you may have a poltergeist. Have you considered hiring a paranormal investigator?

That would be funny but for the fact that so many people actually fall for that bullshit!

 

[The Lady Eve]

LOL! I was actually trying to think of things I could do to my chair that would freak them out.

Right now I currently have a well placed post it pad that says, "We are watching. Say cheese!"

What about one of those fake snakes that spring out of harmless-looking cans? Like this one.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

To Whoever has been messing with my stuff at night:

Please leave me your home address, schedule of when you will not be home, and house key so that I can invite my entire family over to play around with your shit and help ourselves to anything we like that is not locked in a drawer.

If you are unwilling to do this, please offer me the same consideration.

Signed,

The Occupant Of This Desk