There is some days you want to shoot your staff!

[Luc]

Last week as I was leaving on Tues, in my other store, the girl finally told me that a lady came into the store earlier in the day and said that she saw a woman steal something. THat staff left the store at 4, her shift wasover, it was the other staff member that told me a little bit about it.

I tried to ask as many details as I can about this person but she could not answer me any questions as the lady and my staff was talking in french.

THe next day, I was not only furious that someone stole from me and someone knew who it was, but that my staff did not think to come and get me so I can persue the manner on finding the person who stole from me.

On Wed. I found out that it happened on Sat and yes you guessed it, they did not come around the corner to tellme this espicially when I had another witness to the stealing.

Thursday I wrote reprimand to all the staff for not notifying me about what happen. I also type a long letter on the importance of information like that.

I told them that for not telling me I may not be able to find the thief and valuable time was lost. It looks like it may be hte same person. She targeted some dishes I have in that store.

By friday afternoon I have already a seminar in place not only for my store but other in the mall on theft and counterfiet money. Our local OPP (Police Dept.) will give this seminar in 3 weeks.

When I saw this happening last week, I lost some confidance in my staff on how they manage my business.

Luc

 

[elmo]

You said it --- Your business. My dear I know you've had a bad day,so now you think they know how you feel? I put this up there with a lie! Hate it! Hope you can rebuild
the level of your staffs trust.

 

[wildflowerschicago]

Luc,

I am so sorry this happened to you!!!

I'm sure things have been stolen from us, but I am on the fence on exactly how I'd handle it. I worked at many major department stores where they had security departments, and I used to love tipping them off on a thief. My little store is in a stripmall and it's just us (no security). The local police say we should call if we see anything suspicious, but realistically it takes them 10 min. to show up for a traffic crash. Plus I often wonder what might happen... we chase after a thief and a petty theft gets violent?!?! I am really afraid of putting my staff in harms way...what if the thief pulled a gun?

If you do catch someone, and do call the police, what are the prosecution steps? Not to be a synic, but is it worth the time you would have to spend in court and the money to hire a lawyer (if necessary)? I have taken someone to small claims court before (corporate client that never paid) and was astonished to find out how much it costs to file...it was close to $100, plus all the court dates. It ended up not being worth the time I spent chasing the $500. Plus, in the end, they filed bankruptcy and we all know where the florist went on the list of creditors to be paid : (

I am anxious to hear what everyone else would do/has done!

 

[Kobe0007]

We have been stolen from many times, and it just isn't worth it to pursue. It is always nice to catch the person, but the cops don't care. We have had 4 large trees stolen from in front of our building. Over the summer, it is inevitable that several flats of bedding plants get yanked when we are closed on Sunday. I have even watched people steal our dozen rose specials over Valentine's Day but there was no way to catch them with how many people were in the store.

 

[Carrieann]

If this had happened to me I would be more upset with the fact that my staff didn't bother to say anything than with the fact that it was now to late to try to catch the thief.
It's the trust thing that really makes me mad. Trust is the most one of the most important things and when it is gone, it can be SO hard to get back!!

 

[Connie]

I feel your pain, Luc. With Carrieann, my main concern at this point would be to instill (if that's possible) in each employee the importance of working together. I know someone who was fired when he witnessed a fellow employee steal and then waited until the following morning to report the theft.

Do you have cameras in your shop? I'm contemplating that move.

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

When I saw this happening last week, I lost some confidence in my staff on how they manage my business.

Luc

NOW you are beginning to understand why Sandie and I do business the way WE do.....