Strange items swiped from UK offices

Equipment theft is a serious issue for the majority of businesses, but almost a quarter of firms say they don’t take precautions to prevent it, despite reporting some unusual items that have been lost or stolen, including wigs, a portable loo, eyelashes and a fire surround.

A survey of 2,000 companies commissioned by Avery reveals a staggering 60% of them admit that having key items stolen or lost would affect employees’ ability to work. The most common objects to go missing are small work tools and stationery, keys, electrical equipment and mobile phones.

In addition to essential pieces of kit, those surveyed report the loss of a company mascot, a Santa Claus outfit and an open bottle of perfume. Some other unusual thefts include a half-eaten sandwich, a rat trap, a bag of manure, a stethoscope and a warrant card.

One Poll was commissioned to carry out the survey to mark the launch of Hands Off Day, a campaign to encourage more companies to label their valuable work tools. While 60% of firms say they agree that marking equipment can deter theft and a third say losses would be lower, many don’t take appropriate action to ensure this is done.

For more information, visit avery.co.uk/handsoffday.