Theft of small personal items from the workplace, what are the employer's obligations

Tyler_Du

I work in IT for a company of 100 (ish) employees. It's office based with typical working hours (most people work 9 to 17.30, give or take an hour either side) Over the last 6 months or so a number of small items have disappeared from people's desks overnight, typically mobile phone / tablet chargers and cables. I had a charger disappear last night, the cost of replacing this from the manufacturer is £20. When I reported the theft I was advised to not leave items on my desk overnight, we do have drawers with locks, however almost all of them are missing the keys.

AP007

Tyler_Durden_UK wrote: »

I work in IT for a company of 100 (ish) employees. It's office based with typical working hours (most people work 9 to 17.30, give or take an hour either side) Over the last 6 months or so a number of small items have disappeared from people's desks overnight, typically mobile phone / tablet chargers and cables. I had a charger disappear last night, the cost of replacing this from the manufacturer is £20. When I reported the theft I was advised to not leave items on my desk overnight, we do have drawers with locks, however almost all of them are missing the keys.

At a guess you shouldn't really leave personal items in the work place over night.

I never left anything at work and would even take my bag into meetings as at a company once I had my bag and all its contents stolen when I was in the building!!

Caroline_a

Most office furniture keys can be replaced - the number tends to be on the lock. Also there is often a spare taped to the underside of the drawers! Wherever the furniture came from should be able to get you spare keys, but I would agree, don't leave things at work!

browneyedbazzi

If your employer had taken possession of your property then they would have a duty to take reasonable care of it and would potentially be liable for any loss/damage - if you've simply left something laying around then to me they haven't accepted possession of it so that wouldn't apply (unless for example, they've told you to leave your things in the office over night and made assurances that it would be safe there).

Why did you leave it out over night if you know things have been going missing? It sounds to me like you didn't take reasonable care - IMO you aren't going to be able to pin the loss on your employer.

dandelionclock30

Could you ask your employer to provide lockers with keys? Where I have worked before they have done this as we couldnt be carrying our things about all day.
Otherwize dont ever leave anything of value at work and just take your bus fare etc.