What to Do If You Are Caught Stealing From Work
I highly recommend stealing from your workplace within reason. Picking up pens, picking up leftover soda from a corporate party – this is nothing new . But obviously it’s important that your petty theft is reasonable and your manager is never caught red-handed.
We all make mistakes at work sometimes, but if you get caught stealing, it can lead to serious consequences. Even for the most modest theft, you can be fired or even prosecuted. Maybe your workplace has a zero tolerance policy, or your boss wants to make an example of you so that others don’t steal too. Here’s what to do if you’re caught stealing from work.
Disclaimer: I’m assuming you’re taking food and pizza, not money from the cash register. This is not professional legal advice. It’s just damage control until you get real professional legal advice.
First, admit it and explain the honest motive
Workplace theft was already on the rise in the years leading up to the pandemic. But even if you think that no one will notice the missing charger, your workplace will most likely still consider that you took it upon yourself as theft. So you may face real consequences.
In the heat of the moment, your first step is repairing the damage. Much depends on your work environment and the nature of your crimes, but the general consensus is that you should confess to stealing. Again, not all bosses are human, but it’s worth trying to explain your motives and present the most human thing possible at the moment.
Check the employee handbook for specific implications.
Review the employee handbook and see if your situation is clearly described anywhere. This will help you understand if the risk is worth it. Also, if it’s not explicitly spelled out, you’ll have a better chance of getting off with a warning for the first violation. Claim your ignorance whenever you can.
Otherwise, according to CareerAddict , there are three main consequences of being caught stealing from your workplace:
- Gross Misdemeanor: Depends on the extent of your petty theft, but most acts of company property theft qualify as gross misdemeanor . You may be fired immediately, or perhaps only suspended and given a clear warning.
- Termination: The more egregious your wrongdoing, the more likely you are to be fired immediately. For example, if you’ve been repeatedly caught stealing company property using video evidence, there’s a good chance your employer will make an example of you. I hope you can make amends and leave safely without law enforcement intervening and without tarnishing your record.
- Criminal Charges: If your employer involves law enforcement, in addition to losing your job, you may face jail time. Obviously, criminal charges are the most frightening outcome you risk stealing from work. Here’s what to do to minimize this risk.
Evasion of criminal charges
Hopefully your employer will sit down with you to discuss your misdeeds before they take the step to notify the authorities. CareerAddict writes that it’s a good idea to try to negotiate a deal so you don’t get sued. This agreement will likely include your agreement to leave the company and possibly return what you stole, but this is better than costly legal fees.
Don’t sign anything without professional help
Speaking of legal fees, don’t completely ignore the need for legal advice. Consult a professional before signing any civil law contract drawn up by your employer to get back what you stole. It may seem that you are fixing the problem at the moment, but if your company later decides to file a criminal case, they will have written evidence of your guilt.
Think ahead about your future employers
When you are looking for a job in the future, be prepared to explain why you left your previous job. You may not mention it at all, but it’s all too likely that your interviewer will want to talk to your last employer before hiring you. Practice a clear, concise statement. Then practice again. If you’ve been overstressed and made an unfortunate one-time mistake, explain it and then move on. Don’t dwell on it.
Also, not all companies disclose the reason for someone being fired, especially if you’ve previously come to a civil agreement to retire quietly.
Assess the risk of theft from your workplace
Ideally, your petty theft deserves nothing more than a slap in the face. Again, it’s no secret to what extent workplaces can be strict and brutal. You may understandably view your theft as a small act of fortitude, and I am with you. But as TheInterviewGuys notes , “If you feel like you’re underpaid, your boss is rude, or you lack respect from your company, stealing is not an option. Find a new job.” Think about what makes you steal from your job and whether it’s worth the risk.