I’ve been accused of stealing £20

[letmeletgo]

I babysat for a family member at the weekend. One of the kids had to go to an extracurricular and there was £100 on the side for tickets to a show - I was asked to hand it over to the child’s lift.

I did, went about my day. The tickets weren’t available for purchase and I was handed back the cash. I put it back on the side for said family member and that was the end of it.

It’s now come about that £20 of the cash is missing. I’ve received a message to ask if I know anything about it because they think it’s quite suspicious that I got a takeaway while babysitting and now £20 is missing. I paid for the takeaway by card and showed them that, it seems to have quieted them down a little but it’s really annoyed me. I’m not a thief. Never have been, never would be.

AIBU to say if they have that little trust in me, I’ll not babysit again?

Well you won't need to babysit for them again. I wouldn't whatever they say now.

Yanbu. Dont babysit again and leave yourself open to false accusations.

What were the exact words?

Our of interest, were you paid for babysitting?

No

“You gave £100 to X’s mum yesterday, we’ve counted this morning and there’s only £80 there. Did you use it for your takeaway?”

If they have actually accused you of theft then you can't possibly ever babysit for them again, the trust has gone. You've had to prove your innocence by giving evidence - your credit card details. I wouldn't be able to get past this if I were you. However if they really think that you stole the money you won't be asked to babysit again anyway.

Never ever babysit for them again.

The 'suspicion' because you had a takeaway - they should have bought you that takeaway anyway.

Absolute brass neck of them.

They didn’t even pay you? I would never babysit for them again.

They could have just asked you if you’d seen the £20 but they accused you of stealing it.

I absolutely wouldn't put myself in this position ever again, not even if I was their last option for childcare before the children got taken off to the orphanage. Hell no. You do not get to throw accusations like that around my name and then expect me to have your back.

I'm even angry on your behalf. I'd be apoplectic on my own account.

Tell them you are upset that they’ve implied you’ve stolen £20. Just stop babysitting if they don’t apologise. Once someone thinks you’re capable of theft, it’s hard to feel comfortable being left responsible for their children, house and money again.

I wouldn’t babysit for them again, but suspect that might be taken out of your hands.

Was there definitely £100 when the other parent handed it back to you?

I have to say, if you did steal it, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense given it would obviously have been discovered and you’d be prime suspect.

I would be off the scale cross. So they trust you with their most precious children but don't trust you...
No way would I be near the house again

Absolutely no idea. I didn’t count it before I gave it to her and I sure as shit wasn’t going to count it in front of her when she’d done me a huge favour! I just took what they said at face value, that it was £100

Maybe they actually suspect the other parents and are just checking you didn't spend it. That being said, if the money wasn't handled carefully even the other parents could have innocently caused the problem.
Hope it sorts itself out.

i wouldnt let this go btw. i would be round asking wtaf and did you find the money yet as im not pleased that i provided a free service, paid to feed myself as i was not at home, and now i get accused of theft when i was the one doing you a favour and btw it would indeed have been nice if you’d bought my dinner and you should do this for the next person that sits for you free. if you can find someone. how very date they accuse you of theft.

what age are the kids? if theyve not had a chance to go spend thwir stolen money itll be hidden in their rooms or clothing pockets somewhere.

It’s a fucking cheek that they didn’t offer to cover your takeaway seeing as you babysat for free.

I would tell them no and don’t expect me to ever babysit again, problem solved.

Well there goes their babysitter.

The kids are young - 2 and 5, so they can’t have stolen it.

It’s also a cheek if they suspect the other parent seeing as they were also taking their kid out for an activity using petrol etc!

I’d message these parents and be quite clear that you did not take the money. Were insulted by the manner in which they asked you about the missing money and have no intention of babysitting again.

I wouldn't baby sit again. They should have paid for your take away anyway. You need to keep asking if they found the money.

Wow that makes it even worse!! Babysitting a 2 year old is hard work compared to older kids. They should definitely have paid you or at the VERY least covered your takeaway. Cheeky fuckers.

For the sake of £20, I’d have let this slide to save face personally. Now they’ve accused you it’s just plain awkward and they’ve lost themselves a babysitter.

Have they apologised for accusing you?

If their message asking (in that really rude way) was followed up with messages apologising, I would accept the apology. But I wouldn’t babysit again.

If they haven’t even said sorry, then I would tell them I am offended they accused me, and their message was rude.

Unbelievable to treat family members you trust enough to babysit your kids but not enough to not steal from you.