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Original poster

I think my colleagues are taking my belongings!

52 replies

Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 21:13

I have no proper evidence of this.

But I had to raise a grievance about my colleagues due to bullying. It's still ongoing so I don't know where my employer is at with this just now.

I came into work last week to find that a personal belonging, A photo of my child had been taken from my desk, Then it was my notepad and since then a few other things of mine have gone missing.

I feel if I mention it It will give them satisfaction as I am upset. But I want my photo back and there's details I need for work in my notebook.

I don't want to look crazy as I have no evidence but I know deep down its them! Hmm

OP posts:
Souther · 25/07/2021 22:17

Wow that is absolutely disgusting behaviour.

Hope you get this sorted

PepperPepperMan · 25/07/2021 22:20

@Birminghambloke

HR shouldn’t need to provide you with a lockable drawer for a personal photo. I don’t understand why people think these are appropriate in the workplace. However, I echo what PP have said about GDPR and leaving a notepad with confidential information in where it can be accessed by others. This is your biggest concern IMO as that’s a potential disciplinary offence for you. I think you need to come clean on this to management/ HR- mitigation that you raised it as soon as you were aware.
I don't think anyone meant lockable draw to keep a photo in. I agree, the photo is the last of ops issues here.

Plenty people are responsible for important data and manage to keep it safe.

Original poster
Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 22:26

I've never asked for a lockable drawer to keep a photo safe. We were always allowed stuff like that at our desks but you don't think someone is going stoop as low as to take a photo of your child.

I have asked for a lockable drawer previously and it was never actioned on so this is documented in my appraisal.

OP posts:
2bazookas · 25/07/2021 22:30

You could ask "Has anyone else noticed stuff missing from their desk?"

If nobody has, then go to HR.

TheRebelle · 25/07/2021 22:37

If you’re going to be really upset by the photo of your child going missing it’s probably best not to have one there in the first place, I’d just ask if anyone else has had something go missing and then report it factually to HR.

PepperPepperMan · 25/07/2021 22:41

You really are missing the point about the note book.

You don't ask, you email for authorization to order so you can keep personal, employee information safe (and protect your job role)

Original poster
Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 22:44

@PepperPepperMan

You really are missing the point about the note book.

You don't ask, you email for authorization to order so you can keep personal, employee information safe (and protect your job role)

I don't deal with anything like that. I work for an incredibly small company, I don't do ordering or anything like that. All hell would break loose if I even asked to order. So I'm not missing the point about the notebook at all. I understand that confidential information has gone missing but the company should better protect its employees and have better things in place. Like lockable drawers.
OP posts:
Original poster
Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 22:48

@TheRebelle

If you’re going to be really upset by the photo of your child going missing it’s probably best not to have one there in the first place, I’d just ask if anyone else has had something go missing and then report it factually to HR.
Tbh if all the bullying hadn't been going on it probably wouldn't have affected me too much.

But the string of actual abuse I have dealt with over the last few months has obviously contributed to the feelings of hurt and anxiety Hmm

OP posts:
shapes1 · 25/07/2021 22:53

F

TheRebelle · 25/07/2021 22:54

If you’re getting actual abuse at work and it’s making you feel anxious is it worth speaking to your GP about signing you off with stress until the bullying is resolved?

Original poster
Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 22:55

@TheRebelle

If you’re getting actual abuse at work and it’s making you feel anxious is it worth speaking to your GP about signing you off with stress until the bullying is resolved?
I cannot do this, Believe me if it was an option for me I would do it. I don't get sick pay and I can't live on SSP.
OP posts:
Original poster
Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 23:00

I have had heavy boxes thrown at me, I've been screamed at, I was given something with meat in it when they're fully aware I am a vegetarian. I've had my lunch thrown away, Hot kettles of water replaced with cold when making my coffee, I've had my actual work deleted from the shared drive (Which is all we're allowed to use) I've had posts put up about me ( Actually naming me) on social media, I've been told to shut the f*k up. The list goes on and on.

OP posts:
TheRebelle · 25/07/2021 23:02

That sounds beyond awful, I hope you’re looking for another job!

Original poster
Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 23:03

@TheRebelle

That sounds beyond awful, I hope you’re looking for another job!
I'm hopeful that I'll find something else soon.
OP posts:
memberofthewedding · 25/07/2021 23:14

Some time ago when I was still employed my boss and I had keys to one anothers offices. I was coming to the end of my contract.

I was undergoing a period with a problem neighbour and was keeping a diary of his activities (loud music etc). It was nothing to do with work and in my personal filing cabinet. One day it was missing and I later found it in my boss's office in his filing cabinet, along with a few other personal papers which (again) had nothing to do with my job or work. Needless to say I took them back and thereafter kept no personal paperwork in my office.

When I mentioned it to my union rep they advised me not to say anything about it. Even if my boss became aware that the papers were no longer there he could hardly accuse me of "stealing" my own property from his office. Nor could I accuse him of stealing the documents without admitting that I had gone through his personal file drawer,

It was a sort of Mexican standoff.

memberofthewedding · 25/07/2021 23:15

So sorry to hear of your problems OP. I hope you find a solution.

VanGoghsDog · 25/07/2021 23:19

@Charmtaste

Talk to IT and get a motion sensor camera that looks at your desk that you can activate when you leave your office. Put a new picture and a few other items as bait. Catch the person in the act and then send the evidence to management.
This would, of course, be illegal and no IT department would do it.
Original poster
Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 23:21

@memberofthewedding

Some time ago when I was still employed my boss and I had keys to one anothers offices. I was coming to the end of my contract.

I was undergoing a period with a problem neighbour and was keeping a diary of his activities (loud music etc). It was nothing to do with work and in my personal filing cabinet. One day it was missing and I later found it in my boss's office in his filing cabinet, along with a few other personal papers which (again) had nothing to do with my job or work. Needless to say I took them back and thereafter kept no personal paperwork in my office.

When I mentioned it to my union rep they advised me not to say anything about it. Even if my boss became aware that the papers were no longer there he could hardly accuse me of "stealing" my own property from his office. Nor could I accuse him of stealing the documents without admitting that I had gone through his personal file drawer,

It was a sort of Mexican standoff.

I'll not go snooping, It's a very very small team and someone would most definitely catch me 😂
OP posts:
thefirstmrsrochester · 25/07/2021 23:36

Re the notebook potentially containing data, where the hell were you meant to securely store it if you don’t have a lockable cabinet or drawer?

Original poster
Ralf302 · 25/07/2021 23:38

@thefirstmrsrochester

Re the notebook potentially containing data, where the hell were you meant to securely store it if you don’t have a lockable cabinet or drawer?
I honestly don't know, I think the company largely rely on trust. But unfortunately that doesn't always cut it. Confused
OP posts:
Birminghambloke · 26/07/2021 02:08

OP have you understood the seriousness of the missing notebook? A few of us are really stressing this.
Yes, they might not have given you a lockable drawer and company relies on trust, but the situation remains that confidential information linked to your role is no longer in your possession and you don’t know where this is. You say it’s bad for you there (it sounds just awful from what you share) but there’s risk to you here. You need to raise it yourself. “I’ve lost/ it’s been stolen” ahead of someone else going “I’ve found, how careless?”

I’d also seriously look for a new job. I know you shouldn’t have to however it sounds horrible there. It’s not conducive to good emotional or mental health being in that environment, especially when you’re referring to your anxiety levels.

FatJan · 26/07/2021 03:15

Given your latest update, this situation is much bigger than the missing items, and they are not what I'd be focusing on.

You have found yourself in the unfortunate position of being surrounded by bullies. On top of this, you have no support from your employer. Most workplaces are NOT like this. This isn't something that normally happens. You need to throw a ton of energy into finding a new job and getting yourself out of this environment before you become ill. Take all of your personal items home (unless you actively need them during the day), and never write down any customer information.

You deserve better than this.

IdblowJonSnow · 26/07/2021 03:55

Wow op this all sounds awful.
If they won't provide lockable drawers or allow you to take any paperwork home I really don't see how you can be in trouble for the stolen notebook. I'd send that email to hr that someone drafted, also mentioning the photo.

Sounds horrendous. Hope you can find another job asap.

Might it also be worth contacting Acas? Find out about putting in a grievance as this can help cases.

Record who says what and any incidents along with dates at home.

Flowers
scaffoldingtheworld · 26/07/2021 07:52

I was going to suggest a call with ACAS OP. They are really helpful. I’ve used them in the past myself.

Also, is it worth taking a picture of your desk every night before you go home so you can see if anything has been moved or taken?

Build up a diary of sorts.

Original poster
Ralf302 · 26/07/2021 08:49

@Birminghambloke

OP have you understood the seriousness of the missing notebook? A few of us are really stressing this. Yes, they might not have given you a lockable drawer and company relies on trust, but the situation remains that confidential information linked to your role is no longer in your possession and you don’t know where this is. You say it’s bad for you there (it sounds just awful from what you share) but there’s risk to you here. You need to raise it yourself. “I’ve lost/ it’s been stolen” ahead of someone else going “I’ve found, how careless?”

I’d also seriously look for a new job. I know you shouldn’t have to however it sounds horrible there. It’s not conducive to good emotional or mental health being in that environment, especially when you’re referring to your anxiety levels.

I've asked for a catch up with my manager today so I can tell her.

I've been looking but there's not much coming up in my area, I am determined to get out so it's just a case of keep looking

OP posts: