my builders helper is a thief

[pano amo]

Had my builder in for the last few days and for the first time hes had a 'helper' with him. This guy helped himself to several items of my clothing from the wardrobe. Sadly I cant prove it, I just know he did it. I know for sure it wasnt the builder, hes almost a friend, ive been using him for so long. I tried to cull the problem by only telling the builder I dont want anyone else in house except him (im at work all day when they are there). Builder told me this morning that he mentioned my comments about not wanting this guy in my house and the guy walked out. That was when I told the builder what had happened.

My question is what can/should I do now. Although neither myself nor the builder have confronted this guy just yet, i was thinking for the sake of peace and no hassle, asking the guy to return what he has taken and the matter will be dropped. But should I tell the police and do it through them? Im concerned he may also have taken personal info such as credit card info etc. If so, I have it on record that police were alerted to this possibility.
I cant tell you how shocked I am at this. This guy has been through my house and been through all my personal things. On top of that, he stole from me. Ive effectively been burgled. My builder is hugely annoyed and very embarassed, has offered to pay for whats gone missing but I dont think thats fair. What should I do?

Dont trust ANYONE in your house. I trusted my builder who in turn trusted this guy....

[meeja]

pano amo said:

Sadly I cant prove it.

No case then unfortunately.... your word against his.

pano amo said:

Im concerned he may also have taken personal info such as credit card info etc.

Assume the worst, and act accordingly.

[parrot of doom]

Report it. You never know, he might have history with the police.

Has your mate the builder paid him yet?

[FourWheelDrift]

He's a builder, he must have a couple of bricks which he could use to persuade the hired help to cough up the items.

Do as above check everything, do not assume anything. Protect yourself from later problems by requesting new cards.

[egoboss]

parrot of doom said:

Report it. You never know, he might have history with the police. Has your mate the builder paid him yet?

report it to police. he may be already "known" to them. and at least if he knows you/they know he will be deterred from trying anoything. had a similar experience in past. sorry to have to say it but consider changing locks on house and/or change your house alarm code.

[maxf]

Report it to the police. They probably wont do anything (no proof etc) but you will have a crime number which you can refer to later if need-be - if he has taken bank details etc.

[Davel]

alert police!

[burnt]

Mention that you don't want to embarrass him but that you have cctv installed in all the rooms. (stick a PIR in the corner, he won't have noticed it before).

Give him 2 hours to 'make up his mind' and it'll go no further otherwise down to Mr Plod.

Calling his bluff I know but worth a go?

[greenlandy]

Tell the police if they do nothing . Revenge.....

[c c]

Is it worth the agro?
You’ve told the builder so presumably he will not be employing this fellow again. The chap is habitually light fingered he is bound to get caught out sooner or later.

[muley]

Tell the builder you'll knock the replacement price of the stolen items off his bill. Hopefully, he'll get the message and sort it out (one way or another)or claim off his insurance company...

[pano amo]

thanks all, much appreciated. Still dont know which option is best though. Good comment about the agro it might bring by involving police. I could let it go and move on. The total value of goods stolen came to about £150. Im concerned he may have obtained financial info too but I dont think so. Think this was more opportunist. I dont really want to involve the builder any more than I have.
Believe it or not the guy also stole a pair of calvin klein underwear - worn! I mean FFS, how low is that???
I know he did cause they were there on monday night and gone on tuesday night. Perhaps that was a trophy though

Will have a chat with builder tonight and see how it goes.

[gemini]

Tell the police - theres no real case but they will record it - in case of later happenings
Just dont expect a conviction

[themaskedavenger]

report it to the police, get crime number then if you want to claim against your insurance or anyones insurance you can.

Leave it too long and it starts to look a bit suspect.

Had a problem with a decorator he "hired" someone to do the work not himself, I came back from work out of the blue to find a stranger in the house.

nothing went but on principle I told them all to feck off! I want to meet people who are going to be in my house with no supervision. No Guarantee that it wont happen though.

[parrot of doom]

If you don't report it, he'll do it again. Do you want that on your concience? Its your duty as a citizen to report crime such as this.