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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU thinking this is theft?

74 replies

bakedbeanz1 · 27/02/2022 14:39

A petty one but settle a debate.

DH worked for a small company that got taken over by a much bigger one last year. The new boss is very generous to staff and has bought them a coffee machine that takes pod refills. He has a subscription service and the refills arrive in bulk. DH doesn't drink coffee but we have the same type of machine at home and he's been slipping pods in his bag every day and bringing them home for me.

I said its theft, as its meant to be for him to drink coffees in the office. DH says he's 'only' taking one a day when his colleagues are drinking up to four coffees during the working day.

YABU- he could easily be using more at work if he drank coffee.
YANBU- they are clearly for the office.

OP posts:
MintyFreshBreath · 27/02/2022 16:12

Not sure what to vote really. Technically they’re only for the office but if he’s genuinely only taking one (instead of drinking it at work) then I think it’s ok. However, you’re only hearing his side of it.

TerrifiedandWorried · 27/02/2022 16:16

I'm with you, DH shouldn't be taking them

ClariceQuiff · 27/02/2022 16:16

If he's confident it's Ok he should check with his boss and get the official sanction.

Damnloginpopup · 27/02/2022 16:17

Isn't worth losing a days pay for.

MoveOnTheCards · 27/02/2022 16:19

Does he also bring home loo roll if he doesn’t have a poo while at work?

GordenBennett · 27/02/2022 16:23

The intention was (I assume) to make their working day a bit nicer so I agree with you , its just wrong

HelenWick · 27/02/2022 16:23

I see his point but if a the boss provided sanitary towels and tampons in the bathroom for women to use (I do this) would he take these home for you to use? No, because it is clearly not in the spirit of the bosses generous approach and would be very annoying. It isn't 'theft' but it is petty, grasping and undignified!

KitKattaktik · 27/02/2022 16:23

It's a perk (haha!) of working there. Provided to drink while at work not to take home.

If your DH is so sure of his being in the right tell him to tell his employer and get it officially agreed. Hmm

LubaLuca · 27/02/2022 16:24

It's not a right, it's a perk for people who want to use it at work. I think it's taking the piss, and I would think differently about a colleague who was taking 'their allowance' of anything supplied by the company (stationery, toilet roll, sugar...) home with them for their wife to use.

NashvilleQueen · 27/02/2022 16:25

Is he being dishonest about it? Sneaking them out surreptitiously? I mean it's unlikely to result in sacking but it's a bit embarrassing.

HelenWick · 27/02/2022 16:25

Just to add I used to provide a wide range of soft drinks at work as some of the younger staff didn't drink tea and coffee. One day I was doing a workshop in a local school that a colleagues kids attended and noticed that they had these drinks at school. I stopped buying them and several staff complained so I told them why - it was a nice gesture, that was taken as an entitlement and then some showed their poor behaviour.... what a shame.... Your DH is at risk of ruining it for everyone.

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 27/02/2022 16:26

Haha! I've filled my car coffee flask from the coffee machine at work before my commute home in the past, or made a brew using a work tea bag.
Absolutely not a problem.

Hoppinggreen · 27/02/2022 16:29

They are to drink at work
Bringing them home is wrong unless it’s as a one off because you have run out at home.
If your DH thinks it’s ok then presumably the best knows he’s doing it?

PrimroseTheSmooth · 27/02/2022 16:31

Haha! I've filled my car coffee flask from the coffee machine at work before my commute home in the past, or made a brew using a work tea bag.

I think this is fine but taking coffee pods definitely not.

Nanny0gg · 27/02/2022 16:40

And why should you benefit from his boss's generosity?

NeilBuchananisBanksy · 27/02/2022 16:41

It's pushing it and CF behaviour.

But YABU for using coffee pods anyway. They are terrible for the environment. And recycling them doesn't change me stance.

KarmaStar · 27/02/2022 16:41

Yes it is theft.
I doubt the cps would take it on but certainly committing an offence he could be cautioned for and possibly lose his job.
Dishonestly?yes..
Appropriate(take ownership of)yes
Property...and so on.
Yes,however well meant it is stealing and unfair on colleagues and a slap in face to employers.

Chestofdraws · 27/02/2022 16:43

Hmmm you say he is bringing them home every day as in plural. You then say it’s only one. Which is it?

It is theft, but one a day is likely going to be overlooked. A few and he will be fired.

Chestofdraws · 27/02/2022 16:44

@SliceOfCakeCupOfTea

Haha! I've filled my car coffee flask from the coffee machine at work before my commute home in the past, or made a brew using a work tea bag. Absolutely not a problem.
You can’t really think making a drink on premises for you to drink is the same as stealing pods? Not really?
Original poster
bakedbeanz1 · 27/02/2022 16:48

@Chestofdraws

Hmmm you say he is bringing them home every day as in plural. You then say it’s only one. Which is it?

It is theft, but one a day is likely going to be overlooked. A few and he will be fired.

Only one pod per day.
OP posts:
NumberTheory · 27/02/2022 16:48

I see it as theft, though not to the extent I could care at all if I found out a colleague of mine was doing it. It has the potential to get him fired, though, if his manager ever wanted to get rid of him. Seems a foolish risk.

Tinacollada · 27/02/2022 16:49

I'd be calling 999.

Original poster
bakedbeanz1 · 27/02/2022 16:49

@NashvilleQueen

Is he being dishonest about it? Sneaking them out surreptitiously? I mean it's unlikely to result in sacking but it's a bit embarrassing.
I don't think so, I believe he's just putting one in his bag when he takes a tea break.

He's said he's not opposed to mentioning it to his boss so really doesn't seem to see an issue.

OP posts:
Hockeyboysmum · 27/02/2022 16:49

Totally out of order in my opinion

Chestofdraws · 27/02/2022 16:53

I think if he’s not opposed then ask the boss. But why’s he doing it? It’s so desperate. If you can’t afford pods then sell the machine and drink something else. If you can afford pods then wtf?

It really is cringe and desperate it’s like nicking the loo roll. He needs to stop. Or ask the boss if he can take them home. He will likely need to explain why he needs to take them home. And the boss is unlikely to say no, because otherwise he has to let everyone.