Submitted by greenlizard on
in
Forums
Hi all,
I currently have an infuriating situation within my team. About three weeks ago it came to my attention that one of my directs was stealing money (the suspicion was raised by another direct), we took advice, installed a covert camera. The first camera got damaged and didn't record but the second one has footage of three instances of him accessing the areas with money in them, taking money out and putting it in his pocket.
During this period of surveillance I was acutely aware of him and his behavior (this all came as a bit of a shock to me as I thought he was a really nice guy). It feels like he is exhibiting behaviors (slackness, argumentativeness and rudeness) that I have not seen before but part of me wonders if I am now just more aware of him and I am angry at him for his dishonesty.
When I went to our HR department they reviewed the footage and have come back to me suggesting that we don't have enough evidence to proceed........I am so disappointed in this response. This whole situation is taking a toll on the team (and me!) The direct who made me aware of her suspicions is stressed about it and I simply cannot accept this as an outcome.......if he remains I don't know how I can treat him impartially in the future........
All guidance and advice greatly received, I am meeting with HR in 48hrs to further discuss the situation, my natural inclination is to push them hard to back some action on this.
To proceed with what?
You don't have enough evidence to proceed with...legal action?
You do have enough evidence to have a frank and difficult conversation. You've seen argumentative and rude behavior (you can describe the behavior, right?)
It seems odd that you describe unambiguous evidence of theft, yet HR says it's inconclusive. You can't both be right.
You can also discuss at your team meeting (or in an email ) the unexpected disappearance of money, and the consideration of surveillance. In 1:1's you can ask people if they've had anything disappear, or if they might have seen anything odd. Treat everyone the same Increase security (lock up cash, etc). Make it clear that things have changed.
And demand excellence from everyone.
John Hack
"It seems odd that you
"It seems odd that you describe unambiguous evidence of theft, yet HR says it's inconclusive."
I agree - I am not sure why HR are being so skittish about this - I am in NZ and we have pretty employee-centric labour laws but surely someone on tape taking money when no one had requested him to is unambiguous......
Thanks for the feedback my caution about discussing things with other staff or in general (he is really the only one who handles this cash) to date is because I don't want to jeopardize any case we might have!