Most of us just assume that we are safe in the work place at least when it comes to theft. This is particularly true in the office setting. We tend to build up a trust with our co-workers. Women have a tendency to put their purses and personal belongings in a drawer of their desk, or leave their cell phones sitting on the corner of their cabinet. This sort of assumption that these articles are safe is really not a good one to form.

Thieves look for every opportunity they can to rip someone off. They familiarize themselves as to where to find easy targets or unsuspecting individuals. The office setting is not off limits to them. If they are able to blend into a large office staff where people are coming and going all the time, then it is easy for them to go about their thievery unnoticed.

A theft of this kind can go undetected until the victim goes to find their purse or phone and finds it gone. Suspicion is then cast upon everyone who has access to the area, and no thought is given that possibly an outsider has done this dirty work.

A prime example of office theft is evident in a recent rash of robberies in Toronto.

“Break-and-Enters from offices in downtown core,

The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to investigations into Break-and-Enters from offices in the downtown core. The targeted areas are high-rise office towers along Yonge Street, Bay Street and York Street.

Donald Joseph Francoeur, 55, of Toronto, is wanted on the following:

1) Break, Enter and Commit
2) four counts of Theft Under
3) Suspension of Statutory Release

It is alleged that:

– he is currently entering business premises in the downtown core by following a employee into secure office areas

– he casually walks throughout the office and removes personal property from desks, coats and purses

– he engages office staff, when challenged, and advises that he is from I.T., a repairman for the photocopier or that he is visiting another employee”  read more

This is a classic example of why even in the office setting one cannot let their guard down. Personal items should be kept in a locked drawer.

Don’t be afraid to question the presence of someone in the office that you don’t recognize. Criminals of this kind count on being ignored and as can be seen in this example they are not above play acting as repair people.