Research reveals the tell-tale truth behind office theft

Office workers across the UK will be familiar with the age-old dilemma of objects going missing from their desks. New research reveals that the occurrence is widespread and costs businesses a great deal of money. It also highlights some of the more unusual items to be stolen from companies.

The study was commissioned by stationery specialist Avery as part of Hands Off Week, a national campaign to raise awareness of workplace theft, taking place until 19 September. It shows that more than 60% of those surveyed reported office property going missing from their work space, with pens, staplers, notebooks, snacks, files and folders being the most likely to disappear. A further 38% said they have had their food items stolen from the office fridge in the past. Even more worrying is the theft of expensive gadgets and IT equipment, such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

While stationery and specialist tools are cited as the most common things to go missing from the workplace, one in 10 of those surveyed also reported the disappearance of several strange items, including socks, toilet rolls, an inflatable animal, a garden gnome, nail polish and even a carpet. Shockingly, nearly a quarter of investigated cases were revealed to be carried out by middle-ranking employees, followed closely by managers.

The research also reveals that the average loss to businesses is a whopping £1,334.85 over the last year. Despite this, more than a quarter of respondents said their company doesn’t take any special precautions to prevent theft, such as labelling, locking, or hiding important property.

To take part in Hands Off Week, or to find out more about Avery’s range of protection and security products, visit handsoffweek.co.uk.