What should I do?

Question

I am the manager and buyer for a women's clothing boutique in a pretty upscale shopping mall. Almost two weeks ago I discovered that an employee who was always so great (or so it seemed) had stolen a pair of Rock Revival jeans that we sold for $185. I discovered it bc I saw pictures of her wearing the jeans and I didn't remember her ever buying them or wearing them to work. I spoke with the owner of the store, she talked to the employee and she finally confessed that she did steal the jeans. And who knows what other less expensive items she took while she was alone, that no one would notice! Anyway, she was obviously fired that day. Now I have just learned that she got a job working at a gift store in the same shopping mall as our store!! Obviously we were not put down as a reference! I feel like I should tell the manager of that store that she stole from us so she doesn't steal from them, but I don't know, I can't decide. What do you think I should do?

My employer is pressing charges against her. It was so recently that the paperwork isn't done yet.

Also, she is still in high school and does not pay any bills. The money she earns at work is simply spending money, I know this bc she became friends with another employee here. I am not trying to ruin her life or anything bad I just want to do the right thing.

Answer 1

Legally I dont believe you can say anything to another employee. Really ( not trying to be rude) this is not your issue anymore. Let your boss deal with the pressing charges and let the information come out that way. In the case that you say something and it comes out that you were the one who told...you could get into trouble for slander. Good Luck...Dont let this worry you.

Answer 2

Tough choice, I think people do deserve a second chance, especially young folks can make a mistake. But I can also see it from your point of view, store owners and managers in the same mall should look out for each other. Did you speak to her after the theft was discovered at all, were you there or did the store owner tell you how it went? Was she regretful about it or belligerant? Her attitude might at least give you some guess at how likely she is to repeat this behaviour.

Also do you know the manager of the gift shop? Personally, the closer I was to someone the more likely I would be to warn them about someone else. If you're in doubt be more general, say she was fired but that you can't give details.

Sorry I can't just tell you 'yes or no' but I hope thinking some of these points over will help you make up your mind.

Answer 3

If I were the manager of the new store I think I would want to know, but since she is already hired and she was a good employee it may do more harm to tell the employer. They may treat her like a criminal even though she has changed.

If you know the girl (and you don't think it will cause other problems) talk to her privately about the situation. Don't threaten to tell the new employers, but mention your concern about the reason she was fired. Since she admitted to stealing the pants in the first place she will likely be open to your discussion. Don't judge her. This might have been a one time thing. Let her know you care about her.

Answer 4

You should inform the manager of the new store but do so anonymously. That way the manager can come and talk to you or one of the other managers in your store to confirm. It's possible that this girl learned her lesson, but somehow I doubt it -- either that or she's one of the most stupid individuals I've ever heard of (who gets a job in the same mall where she got fired from another store for stealing?) This girl deserves to lose her job if she doesn't have the integrity to tell them about the job she had at your store and why she left/lost that job.

Answer 5

I think it is illegal to tell another employer about the thievery. However, you can mention that you would not hire her again (this is acceptable).

This is a link to a free law info site - make sure you tell them what state you are in and what you can say about this girl (you don't want to get sued for slander):

www.freeadvice.com/


I can't belive how many people are thinking this behavior is okay and not your problem! If more poeple were like you and had concern for their neighbors (albeit business) things like this wouldn't happen so much!! I commend you wanting to do the right thing!

Answer 6

I run my brothers store. I would want to know. Take the manager of the other store out for a coffee break. Do not accuse only advise that he may wish to speak to the owner of your store regarding their new employee.

Answer 7

Unless you are the manager or in charge of hiring, it is NOT your place to say anything. If you did, she could press charges against you for slander! Just let it go. I know you want to do the right thing, but really it would probably only cause you more grief than you need.

Answer 8

By law, you cannot go into detail about why you fired an ex-employee. I would just be glad that the thief is gone and hope she does not steal from the new employer she works for.

Answer 9

I say.......did you have have good encounters w/ the employee while she worked at your store? Maybe that ordeal was a huge mistake for her at the time and she does not plan to do it again? Give her the benefit of doubt and do not say anything. She does not work for your store. We all make mistakes! But at the end we all pay a price.

Answer 10

I think that you should stay out of it and leave that decision to your boss. And I agree that she may have learned her lesson her mistake should not have to haunt her the rest of her life. Sounds like she's young too because I would not have sought a job in the same mall that I was fired from for stealing. Your boss obviously decided not to pursue that matter any further and nor should you.