Family business refuses to investigate allegation of stealing!

[1927]

Posting for a friend.

Woman I know recently ordered personal items to be delivered to work. Knowing it would Be delivered during her lunch break she notified receptionist and asked her to put it to one side. Package was delivered and signed for by receptionist who subsequently denied all knowledge (she knew what was in package). CCTV show her signing for a package, and courier driver subsequently identified her as person who accepted delivery, and her name is on delivery note.

it’s a family run company and all members of management are family members. Company is refusing to investigate, even tho there is cctv footage of receptionist taking package off desk and doing something under table out of sight. The packaging was then found in her bin under desk ripped into to very small pieces.
The situation was bad enough, but today she was been warned by the matriarch of the family not to “mess with the family”. They are closing ranks and basically saying no investigation is needed as the receptionist would never steal.
Advice please. Does she have a case for constructive dismissal maybe? As it’s obvious she can’t go on working there. She has had mental health issues in past which company are aware of and this is driving her over the edge.
police are not involved, Yet.
ETA: i didn’t mention receptionist is owners granddaughter.

 

[souljacker]

Personally, I'd contact the company I bought it from and say it's not been delivered. Say that whoever they think signed for is denying ever receiving it. Let them argue the toss with the delivery people whilst you get the package delivered again.

And find another job asap.

 

[Saul Goodman]

Report it to the police. Don't forget to tell them there's cctv footage of the thief, and that the thief works there.
The company don't get to decide whether or not a crime is reported.

 

[marty21]

Get the rozzers involved

 

[1927]

Report it to the police. Don't forget to tell them there's cctv footage of the thief, and that the thief works there.
The company don't get to decide whether or not a crime is reported.

It’s not about whether it should be reported or not, but she was hoping it could be resolved internally but they refuse to carry out any internal investigation. Police are evidently aware of all details and presence of cctv, but have agreed not to act on it yet in case an amicable solution can be found.
That is beside the point really tho, because even if receptionist is bang to rights the woman won’t be able to carry on working there due to the pressure being out on her by management.

 

[BristolEcho]

Not sure on the constructive dismissal. Does she have any evidence of the intimidation such as emails etc? I am assuming she's not part of a union.

I recently became aware that in Bristol we have an employment services team specifically for people who have diagnosed mental health condition. Is there one local to you? Is she getting any other support?

 

[Pickman's model]

Get the rozzers involved

Make them earn their pay

 

[Pickman's model]

It’s not about whether it should be reported or not, but she was hoping it could be resolved internally but they refuse to carry out any internal investigation. Police are evidently aware of all details and presence of cctv, but have agreed not to act on it yet in case an amicable solution can be found.
That is beside the point really tho, because even if receptionist is bang to rights the woman won’t be able to carry on working there due to the pressure being out on her by management.

You often read that cops have to investigate if a complaint is made. Point this out to them.

 

[two sheds]

And constructive dismissal would have more weight if there's a police involvement you'd have thought, particularly with management's attitude.

 

[Baronage-Phase]

Get copy of cctv footage before the family erases it.
And get the police involved.
The "Family" are not going to resolve this amicably so your friend is not going to get anywhere just asking for the item back. The police need to be called in. IMO.

 

[ricbake]

What souljacker said - constructive dismissal would be an arduous battle - CCTV will be deleted or corrupted, how much time are the police likely to spend on this. Get out and find another way to get back at the dodgy clan.

 

[Saul Goodman]

You often read that cops have to investigate if a complaint is made. Point this out to them.

This. I've never heard of cops deciding to allow the public to decide the outcome of crimes, until the case gets to court.

 

[Saul Goodman]

Also, if there's video evidence and the company are still refusing to involve the police, they're most likely complicit in the crime.

 

[Duncan2]

Amazing isn't it.Steal from your employer and there is every chance of you ending up in the jug.When your employer,by proxy in this instance,steals from you its quite different.

 

[1927]

Also, if there's video evidence and the company are still refusing to involve the police, they're most likely complicit in the crime.

I edited OP to say that receptionist is grand daughter of owner.

 

[1927]

Amazing isn't it.Steal from your employer and there is every chance of you ending up in the jug.When your employer,by proxy in this instance,steals from you its quite different.

And to top it off she’s going to end up without a job despite being the person who had stuff nicked!

 

[Saul Goodman]

I edited OP to say that receptionist is grand daughter of owner.

Ah, that explains their unwillingness to do anything about it. I'd be doing my best to obtain a copy of the cctv footage, although the likelihood of that happening seems very slim.

 

[Duncan2]

And to top it off she’s going to end up without a job despite being the person who had stuff nicked!☹

Can't think she would be well advised to leave-surely better to wait for them to start the process of managing her out documenting each disciplinary step with a view to an eventual claim???

 

[Saul Goodman]

My first port of call would be the seller. I'd explain the situation to them, that you didn't receive the item you paid for because somebody at the same address signed for it and stole it. The ball is then in their court, and they get to decide whether or not to involve the police or simply issue a refund or replacement.

 

[maomao]

Can't think she would be well advised to leave-surely better to wait for them to start the process of managing her out documenting each disciplinary step with a view to an eventual claim???

Going into a job you hate with the specific aim of building a constructive dismissal claim is one of the most soul destroying tasks I've ever set myself and I was more than just relieved when the situation changed. If she's already stressed about work that's a big ask.

If you have the cctv or have police witnesses file a claim with small claims court. Including stress and time spent obviously. Cheaper than a lawyer and it's still a court.

 

[maomao]

Also is there any chance of getting hold of the cctv? It would look great with an explanation on the company's Facebook page.

 

[BristolEcho]

This. I've never heard of cops deciding to allow the public to decide the outcome of crimes, until the case gets to court.

Not true in my experience. Quite often in circumstance such as mate crime the person's wishes will be respected.

 

[maomao]

I was once pushed into making an amicable arrangement for repayment with some wankers who trashed my bike while it was locked up. Then when they reneged on the deal and didn't pay up the filth said I had no comeback. Filth just like closed cases.