A few months ago, I needed help with house cleaning. The young man did a good job; however, he also stole 2 designer handbags and a very expensive pant suit
I didn't discover that they were gone until weeks later, so I felt that I could not report it to the agency.
I have put away a lot of my good things because I know I will need help again
But that is no way to live. In addition to my husband's dementia and my declining health, I now have to worry about having my things stolen.
Any advise?
Usually those types of theft are crimes of opportunity. They aren't discovered right away and can't be proven, so prevention is the only strategy. For one thing I would pay for Identity Theft protection, something like LifeLock (there are others). Then I would choose a small room (might need to be your bedroom) that you can lock (like with a deadbolt and key) and keep all valuables in there, including blank check books, jewelry, etc. and keep that room locked, when a service person comes into your house. This includes putting your purse, tablet, laptop, anything that can be easily swiped. And -- any prescription pain medications! These should *never* be kept in the bathroom, but in a locked room or small fireproof house safe.
Yes, you should pay for securing your small valuables and identity. The cost of a future theft will be far greater.
We are going to house our barky dogs in our bedroom, and a cat that loves to escape. If I suspect things have been moved or touched, we’ll install nanny cams (that record).
I’ll also take precaution to hide my jewelry, just in case, but it’s such a pain. Your belongings should be safe in your own home, but these are strangers that we’re opening our doors to.
Don't allow caregivers to enter with large bags or purses. Nanny-cam the heck out of your house and don't leave real valuables out in plain sight.