Cash missing... suspect cleaner... how to handle?

[d000hg]

I would call the cops

If you just stop using them who is to say they are not doing the same thing to some poor old pensioner who can ill afford to lose any money

This is true however there's no way I could see anything happening beyond her being fined... and fining a thief who steals because they're short on cash seems counter-productive!

[MyUserName]

Don't get me started on cleaners...

Fortunate enough not to have any who've robbed us but getting the buggers to turn up / stay for the time you've paid them is a nightmare. Heard every excuse under the sun for not turning up. One, I'm sure, just used to turn up when she was a bit skint that week. She even said she couldn't come because she was painting her living room one day.

Another one we caught turning up about 30 mins late and then leaving 30 mins early. And we sussed her twice doing this. (We paid for 2 hours and were getting 1 hour).

Even had one who turned up when we were on hols when we told her not to come (no-one had been there all week) and take the money we'd left for the following week when we were back (reckon she left the car running outside, came in, took the money and left). When we asked here why she did this she immediately quit!

On 3rd one now and shes about to get the boot. Started off ok but seems to be shaving a bit off the start by turning up late and then still leaving early. Seems to be common trick this - might try it with my client and see if I can get away with 11am starts and 3pm finish (what do you reckon will happen?)

Can't trust any of them. Used to have a bit of sympathy for people who ended up being cleaners but I realise that some of them ain't got jobs doing something better (or more well-paid) because they just can't be relied on.

My mother in law used to clean for us and she was superb. She had to stop and my unemployed brother in law said he would do it - unbelievable. Several times I came home and had to text him to ask whether he had actually come over as nothing looked different, he always claimed he had. I came in once to find him in my armchair watching my DVDs whilst my wife was doing the cleaning he was being paid for - I had no the words.

I told him he no longer needed to come over. A friend later asked me whether he was any good as he had offered to clean his house, I politely explained that I felt unable to give a reference.

Oddly since then he has failed at university, got bailed out by his parents, considered various jobs such as a barrister and a software contractor but failed to get as far as an interview until I redid his cv and covering letter. He then got an interview and did not go. He had a dream of being a truck driver until he failed the test and could not be bothered to redo it. His gf is just as lazy but she has a very well off and quite unwell grandfather so it looks like they are just biding their time until they inherit.

[DodgyAgent]

You have to lay a trap. I did this with my cleaning lady. I left three £50 notes in my pocket and when I got home there were only two. I then challenged her and she said fair cop and left.

[kingcook]

I left three £50 notes in my pocket and when I got home there were only two.

Now you know what it feels like when a contractor gets his money from an agent at the end of the month.

[psychocandy]

Several times I came home and had to text him to ask whether he had actually come over as nothing looked different, he always claimed he had. I came in once to find him in my armchair watching my DVDs whilst my wife was doing the cleaning he was being paid for - I had no the words.

I told him he no longer needed to come over. A friend later asked me whether he was any good as he had offered to clean his house, I politely explained that I felt unable to give a reference.

Yeh. **** that. I wouldnt pay someone to do bugger all - family or not...

[MyUserName]

Yeh. **** that. I wouldnt pay someone to do bugger all - family or not...

What left me speechless is, when I became a contractor, he asked if he could work for my company as an engineer (he cannot program) then as a tester and finally as my accountant (no qualifications or experience in the matter other than owning a book on accounting which he has not read). Each time I said no and he got offended and sulked.

Sometimes I feel the need to actually prod him to see whether he is real or not.

[kingcook]

What left me speechless is, when I became a contractor, he asked if he could work for my company as an engineer (he cannot program) then as a tester and finally as my accountant (no qualifications or experience in the matter other than owning a book on accounting which he has not read). Each time I said no and got offended and sulked.

Sometimes I feel the need to actually prod him to see whether he is real or not.

Sounds like one of those people who think employers exist solely to provide people with an income/living, and nothing at all to do with making money.

[al_cam]

Definitely call the police.
I know that my local police have recently used secret cameras to try to catch youths vandalising - they might do the same for you.

I'd also be changing my locks, burglar alarm code etc, and getting the Mrs to check her jewellery box.

Once rid of her, i would be sure of telling everyone who would listen about her.

Al.

[deanosity]

If you do catch her stealing, it may me more rewarding to publish the video evidence to the web/facebook so people in her community can see what she gets up to.

[psychocandy]

What left me speechless is, when I became a contractor, he asked if he could work for my company as an engineer (he cannot program) then as a tester and finally as my accountant (no qualifications or experience in the matter other than owning a book on accounting which he has not read). Each time I said no and he got offended and sulked.

Sometimes I feel the need to actually prod him to see whether he is real or not.

Sounds like he wants to jump on the band wagon and for you to pay him for doing nothing. Pretty impressive range of careers hes tried mind....