WIBU to report cleaner for this?

[ConkerGame]

DP and I use agency cleaners. You sign up and then they send someone each week, sometimes someone you’ve had before, sometimes someone new. Because we don’t know who’s coming they don’t have our keys. We let them in and then go to work, leaving them to close the door behind them when they’re done. Never had a problem with this set up before.

Last Friday we had a new lady. I left the house at 8am and she would have finished her shift at 11am and then left. I got home at 6:30pm and our front door was wide open! She’d put the door on the latch so it would never lock, even if the wind slammed it shut.

Thankfully nothing was taken and it didn’t look like anyone else had been in (didn’t think we lived in such a safe neighbourhood!) but obviously I felt a bit shaken and the risk was there - the house had been left open (with the door open, so very obvious) for about 7 hours!

Now I’m wondering what to do. The lady seemed nice and she did a good job otherwise. I’m aware she probably doesn’t earn a lot and I don’t want her to lose her job unnecessarily, but equally I’m quite annoyed we were left vulnerable to such an extent! DP is pretty angry and wants to report her in case she’s careless and does it again to someone else, but I partly think no harm was done so don’t want to hurt this woman for no benefit.

WIBU /should I report it to the company?

Yes of course you need to report this; to stop her doing it to someone else. I would have been on the phone to the company straightaway.

You're lucky nothing was taken.

I would contact them and just let them know she possibly left the door on the latch after taking the rubbish out and didn't take it off when she left. Let them know no harm came from it, but just to pass on the message to be vigilent when using the latch?

I'd report this. Had anything been taken she'd have invalidated your insurance so you wouldn't have been covered for any losses. She may be doing the same elsewhere so her employer needs to know. Frame it as a training issue rather than a sackable offence but it has the potential for serious repercussions if she keeps doing this.

Of course you need to tell the agency. Don’t have to dress it up just say the facts. It’s up to them what happens next.

You could pop a post it on the door next couple of times saying “please ensure door on latch and fully closed when you leave”, if you feel you might be worried

This is such a basic error that I'm afraid it does have to be reported, as you were very lucky nothing was taken, imagine if you'd be burgled as a result of this, it's unthinkable.

I think it would be fair to say that you don't want her to be fired but she does need to ensure people's houses are secure. I think I would also be requesting that this cleaner is not used at your house again.

Tbh I think it would put me off having agency cleaners if there really is this little care / common sense. I have a cleaner but it's the same person each week, we have a keysafe.

You do need to report this but can soften it a bit by just saying please ask the lady to be sure the door is properly shut in future as you came home and it was not secure.

Of course report it. If nothing else, she needs to learn how to use a latch, and all cleaners should be trained to make sure the door is closed properly when they leave. It's not that difficult.

Yes, it would be a great shame if she was losing her job, but mistakes have consequences. If I mess up badly at work, I can be shown the door, that's life.

I live in a big city so I am a suspicious sort. This could have been a mistake but it could also be something she does to enable other people to nip in and steal stuff and give her a cut. I know it’s unlikely but it’s possible. Even if it was an accident it’s a very serious mistake to make. I get pissed off if our cleaner leaves a window open or doesn’t double lock.

I would report to the agency but nicely, asking that she double checks in future. If it was a one off and her work is good otherwise I am sure they will just remind her (reliable agency cleaners are much sought after). If it turns out she’s making a habit of it they can take appropriate action.

I'm going to go against the grain here, I'm sure she didn't mean to do it, alls week that ends well .... move on.

If you gave her again then mention it.

I'm going to go against the grain here, I'm sure she didn't mean to do it, alls week that ends well .... move on.

Not meaning to make a mistake that risks clients, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be addressed. OP might never have her again, but the cleaner might to it to 20 other individual clients.

I’d raise it with the agency.