Someone at work is eating my lunch on a regular basis - how can I get back at them without getting in trouble

sausagedelay on 18/01/2017 - 18:42
Last edited 25/01/2017 - 15:35

As title suggests someone at work is eating my lunch 2-3x a week. Yes I put a name tag on my food, both on the plastic bag and then on the lunchbox. This theft almost always occur 99% of the time I get takeaway such as a sushi box or some kind of takeaway. Other times they'll look in my lunch box and nick parts of my lunch such as my chobani yoghurt or up and go other prepackaged snacks.

The higher-ups won't let me view CCTV and they said they'll investigate and despite reporting it in early December, it's been happening again shortly after the Christmas/New Years break. Friends have suggested putting unbearably hot spices or laxatives or something to mess with them but I have the feeling I'd get in trouble.

Any suggestions?

update: i will go with a really hot sauce and put it in one of my lunches, thanks for the ideas guys :) Will let you know how it goes
update 2: purchased hot sauce as someone suggested in the comments from the chilli factory, will keep you updated

Education & Work

Comments

        • Findo on 22/01/2017 - 10:12

          @bobkin: the seroquel munchies can cause all of that?!

        • Phoebus on 31/01/2017 - 23:43

          @niggard:
          You use Seroquel for a sure throat? I'll try that

        • Findo on 01/02/2017 - 00:03

          @Phoebus: to sleep!

  • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2017 - 15:56
    +2

    He took a Chobani Yoghurt? That's a cry for help!

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 20/01/2017 - 16:01

    Rat poison

  • bluegem369 on 20/01/2017 - 16:14
    +3

    My first question to OP is how does he identify your box. The first thing you have done is once the incident happened you have started putting your name on the boxes and making it a more interesting game. This idiot knows you and can definitely identify your box now.

    My advice, remove all the names from the box and change your box. Now tell everyone around (leaving few) that you have changed the box because of the reason. See if you still have the issue. In my view it will be one of the few people who knows your box. Get two or three boxes and keep on changing. The person will either try someone else if he is a maniac and if this is not targeted to you only and now suddenly everyone is talking about it in office and it becomes more epidemic. This will force HR to step in and check the camera etc. If not then matter closed and all happy lunch time.

    From experience we have seen that this is mostly friends who want to trouble you and very rarely any stranger.

    :-)

    G

  • Wynd on 20/01/2017 - 16:30
    -2

    4 pages in and no ones suggested the obvious solution- call the bikies in!

  • khelddar on 20/01/2017 - 16:33

    Put a prop head next to it that is life like and gorrie. Then say you had to put it in there so the paint didn't peel

  • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2017 - 16:52
    +1

    Padlock your lunch box

    • secondstory on 20/01/2017 - 17:43
      +5

      I knew a guy who padlocked his cold bag in the fridge. The thief used scissors and cut out a hole on the other side :(

  • aussieaubs on 20/01/2017 - 17:23

    I've got 3 words for you

    Haribo
    Sugar-free
    Gummie-bears

    • Wynd on 20/01/2017 - 19:41
      +1

      Those things are like using a hand grenade to swat an ant, the risk of collateral damage is extremely high

      • aussieaubs on 21/01/2017 - 12:19

        Haha. Drastic times call for drastic measures

  • darkchoc on 20/01/2017 - 17:25
    +5

    I just imagined the thief dosing up on a combo of chillies, laxatives and Viagra.

    He's gonna make a horrible mess somewhere!

    • UFO on 21/01/2017 - 14:27
      +3

      hahahaha….

      hot, fast, and hard!

      wow, now that would be a sight :)

    • skywards on 22/01/2017 - 22:45

      A hot mess

  • John Kimble on 20/01/2017 - 17:35
    +6

    Since it is not everyday, I wonder if you can identify based on that? Unless they are not just targeting you and eating other lunches on other days? Or there are multiple lunch stealers? What a crappy situation.

    If it helps, last time one of the kids in my kindergarten class ate other people's lunches, I caught him red handed… Here's the CCTV footage: https://youtu.be/SQtlPPZ6FFE
    Good times!

  • PJC on 20/01/2017 - 18:01
    +2

    Do not be concerned about prosecution. Storing something labelled with your name in a communal fridge does not impose obligation to consume.

    • UFO on 21/01/2017 - 14:33
      +3

      Exactly.

      It doesn't matter that the food is stored in an area open to the public, the thief knows its property that doesn't belong to him.

      http://www.findlaw.com.au/articles/4239/stealing-and-theft-o…

      Thief is permanently depriving someone else of their property. OP with the appropriate video evidence could EASILY go the police station and have them investigate and charge with Minor Theft.

      People think that just because it's someone's lunch or "just a sandwich" means it's ok to steal it. Value doesn't determine whether its ok or not. You wouldn't go into a shop and shoplift an item right? Same thing.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2017 - 11:40
        +7

        Well no, but I would download a sandwich

  • subywagon on 20/01/2017 - 18:27
    +1

    Make a formal complaint of work place harassment. Tell them you are stressed from the ongoing bullying and are considering seeking legal advice.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 10:58

      You are joking, right?

    • nardz on 24/01/2017 - 13:04

      one way to turn missing lunch into missing employment.

  • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2017 - 19:08

    SOME INTERESTING OPTIONS FOR YOU:
    1. Pack an INK BOMB in your lunch box if you want to find out who it is….OR
    2. Get a lockable lunch box to stop them….OR
    3. Have an early lunch….OR
    4. Just buy your lunch at the tuck shop

    • John Kimble on 22/01/2017 - 07:42
      +2

      The tuck shop! Bahaha

  • nodo on 20/01/2017 - 19:22

    if you have somewhere else to keep your lunch, I have (and recommend) this: http://www.biome.com.au/lunch-boxes/14491-packit-mini-cooler…

  • itstuan on 20/01/2017 - 19:31

    Put a note on your lunch box for a week that say "I've been putting rat poison in my food, I hope you're enjoying it"
    Problem solved.
    You're welcome

  • xoom on 20/01/2017 - 19:54
    +5

    Could never understand the motivation of people who do this. Unsure other peoples work place but this is classed as theft which can be grounds for instant dismissal where i work.

    • JoeSoap on 21/01/2017 - 02:24

      yeah had the conversation with someone at work today. simple rule. Don't mess with out peoples sh*t. easy

    • nardz on 24/01/2017 - 13:06

      what's there to not understand. hunger and frugality.

      • xoom on 24/01/2017 - 13:36

        Whats there not to understand. You could lose your job doing it. Seems not worth it losing your job messing with someones lunch worth say $10 maybe $15 dollars. Heck i have had stories of people getting fired taking home a litre of milk from the work fridge.

        • nardz on 24/01/2017 - 14:00

          if you're doing it you probably aren't thinking of consequences.

          and that $10-15 3 times a week is basically saving $130-200 a month.

  • tsimop on 20/01/2017 - 20:51
    +10

    http://i.imgur.com/1bWo2.jpg
    CHECKMATE

    • syousef on 21/01/2017 - 15:47
      1. Drug someone
      2. Admit to it
      3. Get arrested
      4. ???
      5. Who's in checkmate?
  • Donaldouk on 20/01/2017 - 20:52

    Have anyone suggest putting a tile tracker in the lunch box? Or put some permanent marker on your lunch and check on people's hands.

  • Donaldouk on 20/01/2017 - 20:56

    Or even better, do what they did in "Ransom" offer a bounty for the culprit. Free lunch to the one catches them.

  • lainey13 on 20/01/2017 - 22:23

    For all the do-gooders in the thread, why don't you leave a note first saying you've poisoned your food, and if it still gets eaten THEN put something in it with the same note. You can't say they haven't been warned then!

  • musicinbed69 on 21/01/2017 - 02:32

    Remember, whether it is your food or not, you cannot put drugs in it to 'teach' someone a lesson.
    Intending to drug someone unknowingly is so much worse than occasionally eating another person's food. (and if the drug had adverse reactions, you would somewhat be responsible D:)

    Even leaving a note talking about poison could end up getting pretty serious, whether you did it or not. People often take food tampering very seriously. Whether you are in the right or not, the stress alone from any potential legal shit would take away any satisfaction you stand to gain.

    idk what you can do tho.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 11:04

      Too true, so no notes, and never admit you put magic mushrooms in the bollinasse sauce

      • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 19:07
        +2

        bollinasse sauce

        That's some fancy phonetic spelling.

    • Speckled Jim on 24/01/2017 - 15:59
      +1

      you cannot put drugs in it

      Okay guys, the lawyer has spoken. So even if you have a prescription supplement or complimentary medicine approved by the TGA, you can't have it for lunch because some a-hole might STEAL it.
      /sarc

      They didn't say anything about pathogens — have at it!

  • tee123 on 21/01/2017 - 03:41

    Imagie its the actual people you alerted originally and they know they cant be caught . You cant get in trouble for messing with your own food. Laxatives all the way

  • ggrant on 21/01/2017 - 06:30

    Lysergic Diacetate Man. Look for the butterflies with the thief.

  • AG_ACT on 21/01/2017 - 08:40

    Can't you just take some lunch that doesn't need to be put in the fridge while the higher ups investigate?
    I'm sure you could ask for a deadline as to when they will finish reviewing.

    Otherwise lockable cashbox from Bunnings is $12 and is big enough to fit your lunch. If the whole box goes missing, should become a more serious issue for management to deal with as it's no longer just lunch.

  • luffyex2010 on 21/01/2017 - 09:56

    Hmmmm you might need a backup plan if the thief is actually reading all of these. lolz

  • Colonial Marine on 21/01/2017 - 12:14

    Get one of those exploding ink bombs, like the have in large quantities of cash 😃

  • Colonial Marine on 21/01/2017 - 12:19

    Oh and by the way a police officer in the uk got charged with "administer a poison" for replacing his gatoraid with windex. Don't be stupid enough to doctor your food.

  • MelCheapo on 21/01/2017 - 12:37
    +3

    Stop trying to do the work yourself, let the workplace start talking about it! Stick a letter on the the fridge:

    To the person who continually steals my food, over the last few months I've provided various meals in an attempt to determine what you like best of mine. For a while I though it was the sushi, but you don't seem to steal that much anymore, the noodles you seem to like more early in the week, and sandwiches for you are a clear loser on anyday!

    I've clearly labelled the food as mine in an attempt for you to provide feedback as to what you'd prefer to steal, because I'm frankly running out of ideas and local take-away to provide you with the perfect lunch. Perhaps a fixed roster system would suit you best? Maybe I can start the week with a Mexican Monday followed by a Thai Tuesday and perhaps a Wacky Wednesday which I'd change up my meals for you.

    Anyway, thank-you for stealing my lunch, the rumblings that lightly thunder through my empty stomach are just the clarion horns that trumpet to my ears that I should be thankful to have a job where I can afford to buy my own meals…

    …even if I dont get to eat them.

    Put your name to it, share a laugh with your workmates and let them do the work, I bet at least one of them knows who it is.

  • slckb0y on 21/01/2017 - 14:20
    +5

    Just jizz in the lunch everyday.

  • Penalty boxer on 21/01/2017 - 16:00

    What sort of fked up workplace is this?

  • Zetrox2k on 21/01/2017 - 16:01
    +2

    This shit actually happens for real???

    I would screw them over BIG.

    grind up an entire pack of luxatives and sprinkle it on evenly.

    or as altomic put it, if you can stomach making it, a dog shit kebab.

    Dont worry about getting into any sort of trouble, cause at the end of the day it was your (profanity) lunch. so if some scumbag decided to steal it, they reap the consequences. if anything, you are screwing around with your own food, not theirs.

    no patience for these kind of (profanity).

    excuse the frenchies, got all rallied up…

  • rodinthink on 21/01/2017 - 18:37

    Time to rob someone's LunchBox Money

  • smartazz104 on 21/01/2017 - 19:05
    +1

    Hurry up with an update OP; either your company actually takes your complaint seriously or you need to do something "subtle" to catch this person.

  • Bimbobob on 21/01/2017 - 21:14

    Laxative, membranes of a chilli? infuse it in urine?

    Tried hiding nuts or common foods into lunch that people are allergic to?

  • GourmetFoodie on 21/01/2017 - 23:55

    I would definitely do laxatives and never ever admit it to anyone. There is no way they will say anything. "Oh I stole so n so's lunch and it gave me the runs". They'd be a laughing stock at a minimum with zero sympathy - or at risk of getting fired for stealing.

    • sabracad on 22/01/2017 - 02:57

      How are they going to get fired if you haven't told anyone of the laxatives?

      Assuming firstly they cause the thief's pants to be filled - which would depend on type/volume of laxatives, any third party would just assume the thief is sick. Aside from the embarrassment, they will get sympathy and most likely a free day off.

  • Clain on 22/01/2017 - 00:47

    It might be one of the higher ups taking your lunch…. Since they refuse to let you see the CCTV.

  • Guilty Flamez on 22/01/2017 - 04:39
    +5

    Buy a packet of artificial saffron powder packet from woolies or Coles and sprinkles in the pack of food which the thieves has been targeting I bet you will catch him read handed, the saffron colour is so strong it stays in your hand even after you wash it with the soap for several times, all you need to do it sprinkle tinny bit of saffron. I am taking from the personal experience the pack of saffron colour is vey strong, please try this method it won't disappoint you. Good luck.

  • kezzy83 on 22/01/2017 - 09:52
    +1

    Put your lunch in a small tool or fishing tackle box and put a lock on it?
    I know someone who kept having their milk stolen, so they started to pour it in to a bottle that was relabelled 'Breast milk' -it was never touched again

  • BargainKen on 22/01/2017 - 10:09
    +1

    Change your diet to that of eating only snails and insects.

  • PJC on 22/01/2017 - 11:13
    +1

    Shame the thief with a lidded container, some Blu-Tack and a magnetic window alarm. This produces a piercing shrill like a smoke alarm and hopefully OP or colleagues witness who opened it. OP then repeats this occasionally when the thief approaches the fridge, saying "Sorry, I forgot, I still do this sometimes as my lunch might get nicked again".

  • Mumbles on 22/01/2017 - 11:40
    +1

    I've worked for heaps of large employers having to share a fridge with 20-100 people. It can never get stamped out cause it only takes one offender to do the wrong thing.

    What always works for me is buying lunch outside, otherwise make sure that my food in the fridge is the least appetising (eg. plain cheese and lettuce sandwich, no condiments, labelled with my name).

    The thief will automatically stop stealing your food and will start stealing other people's more interesting food. When enough coworkers become personally invested or when the boss gets their lunch stolen you'll find that things move much more quickly.

  • treeman on 22/01/2017 - 11:58
    +1

    No update from OP. What's going on? Or were you just trolling?

  • bah humbug on 22/01/2017 - 14:05
    +1

    Yes, update?

  • lisamacoz on 22/01/2017 - 19:10

    Could you leave a note to advise the anonymous person eating your lunch that it has come to your attention that you have a communicable disease and that you think they should see their doctor? That will get into their head and they may leave your lunch alone. I'd still keep it at my desk though. After hearing some of these ideas, I'm scared to leave mine in the fridge ever again.

  • grr1701 on 22/01/2017 - 23:10
    +2

    Put a really strong blue or green food coloring in some of your food. It will dye their lips for a few days and you'll KNOW who the culprit is. Be aware of the possibility of payback though.

  • Froot Loops on 22/01/2017 - 23:26

    I had the issue at uni awhile back. Just crush lots of Metoprolol in soup. Bradycardia (and it's symptoms) are punishment enough. Solved my issue.

    Jebus is also cool with my actions. Exodus 21:24 "eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot".

    People just need to learn its not cool to try to kill someone by stealing their food.

    • WT on 23/01/2017 - 11:56
      +1

      Had to look it up, lol loss of sex drive.

      Or you could load it up with estrogen if its a guy. If its a female put something that will increase appetite, slowly increase carb and fats. In a few months they will be huge and forever alone

    • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2017 - 16:17
      +3

      People just need to learn its not cool to try to kill someone by stealing their food.

      I dunno man. Secretly overdosing someone on a medication they don't take, which affects the heart, seems a little close to the whole trying to kill someone thing. Just a bit.

      But if Jesus is cool with it then rock on!

    • Speckled Jim on 23/01/2017 - 21:06
      +1

      Jebus is also cool with my actions. Exodus 21:24…

      Old Testament = BC.

      Back to the seminary for you.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 11:21

      That's old testament rules, which is fine if your Jewish, or isis.
      Jebus is new testament witch teaches forgiveness and self lobotomy

  • mmd on 23/01/2017 - 01:40

    Cayenne pepper!
    It's stronger than wasabi and easier to conceal as it is a powder.
    Do you have any enemies at work?
    If your name is on the bag, then perhaps theyre not stealing your lunch to eat…

  • chigga on 23/01/2017 - 08:36

    TLDR: Not sure if this has been suggested, but I'd rub a freshly cut chili all over your lunch. You can even put it on the outside of your yoghurt, sushi pack etc. This would be harder for the offender to detect but they'll definitely feel it especially if they rub their eyes afterwards. Just make sure you use gloves yourself when cutting the chili and when handling the items you've laced.

  • Praeto on 23/01/2017 - 09:19

    I use small pelican cases for keeping a bunch of small items protected around my house. They'd probably make a good lunchbox as well.

  • malouphix on 23/01/2017 - 10:30
    +1

    Take your boss's lunch a couple of times, problem solved.

    Or write your bosses name on your lunch box.

  • snipe86 on 23/01/2017 - 19:43
    +1

    I have the solution. Maybe.

    Step one get small individual wrapped chocolate that's hollow.

    Step 2 inject food dye into it till its full with a needle.

    Step 3 close hole with hot knife.

    Step 4 Re wrap chocolate and put in the fridge.

    Step 5 chuck a few in the lunch box/bag.

    Wait for it.

    Then go see who has food dye all over his mouth, hands and clothes.

    Or who magically goes home sick at lunch time.

    Just a thought lol.

  • asrey1975 on 23/01/2017 - 21:42

    Get some maggots (from fish bait shop) or cockroach (or some other insect, cicada, crickets etc) and put it in your lunch. Leave it and wait for the screams!

    • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 11:30

      Check out granddads old shed for whatever poison has been outlawed 50 years ago.
      Makes it heaps harder to trace I've heard

  • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 17:31

    If he takes away your food, then what do you get to eat?
    My advice is to change the name tag and then check if he still steals away your food or not.

    • sausagedelay on 24/01/2017 - 18:33

      I have to quickly run out and go to a restaurant down the block to buy something if I'm really hungry, or I'll just eat the other food that I bring (e.g. muesli, yoghurt, up and go) and the snacks I keep in my drawer.

      • PJC on 24/01/2017 - 19:01
        +1

        Update please?

        • C3P0 on 25/01/2017 - 13:28
          +1

          Update?

        • sausagedelay on 25/01/2017 - 15:34
          +5

          @bob123456:

          I've ordered hot sauces from the chilli factory as someone commented, on its way over.

        • PJC on 25/01/2017 - 16:25
          +1

          @sausagedelay: Great. Keep us informed.

        • DanielR on 25/01/2017 - 17:44
          +3

          @sausagedelay:

          please report back to us on the result of this, been following this thread lol

        • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2017 - 19:43
          +3

          @sausagedelay: You need to remove all toilet paper and tissues from your workplace on the day you do this.

        • cybapete on 27/01/2017 - 09:27

          @blue-dinosaur:

          better yet block the door

        • Symbiotic on 31/01/2017 - 10:59

          @sausagedelay: good work!

        • HoracePinker on 14/02/2017 - 14:59
          +2

          @sausagedelay:
          So… what is happening with this update please

  • hilariouspowerr on 30/01/2017 - 22:51

    I would put it in lots of layers of plastic bags, so that when they are opening the bags, it would make lots of noise and take longer to open. SO when you hear the characteristic rustle of plastic bags going on for a while, you know it's time to pounce.

  • Phoebus on 31/01/2017 - 23:41

    Use lunch as a cock rag

  • Dr Prepper on 01/02/2017 - 15:38

    Berocca sandwich?

    The sandwich thief will be foaming fluorescent orange at the mouth.

  • ozboka on 02/02/2017 - 14:45
    +4

    Similar thing happened to a person at my workplace. This is what happened. Sad but true.

    The person whose lunch was getting stolen made several complaints to management and nothing was done about it.

    That person took matters into their own hands and laced their lunch (food and drink clearly named and packed in a lunch box and in the lunchroom fridge) with laxatives. Lunch thief strikes again, and goes home an hour later with severe gastro intestinal distress.

    Lunch thief ends up in hospital over the weekend finds out after tests, that they have been dosed with laxatives and contacts police. Monday morning police show up at work.

    The person whose lunch was getting stolen gets a call to go to HR. Arrives at HR to be notified that they are suspended without pay pending any charges. Police then question the person whose lunch was getting stolen with HR and charge the person whose lunch was getting stolen with Malicious behaviour with intention to harm (intention because of the previous complaints by them and the fact that the lunch thief stated they became violently ill after consuming food stolen from the fridge backed up by the hospital toxicology report). They are released on bail later that afternoon. They are then told by HR that due to the charges their employment has been terminated.

    The person whose lunch was getting stolen launches unfair dismissal with fair work with the aid of industrial relations solicitors (very expensive). Case adjourned until after criminal court case.

    This person now has to hire criminal lawyers to defend a criminal case (more expense). In the end they end up taking a plea deal for a GBH charge.
    The end result is.

    Guilty plea to GBH, conviction recorded, 14 months suspended sentence, and 48 monthly court mandated monthly anger management sessions which they have to pay for out of their own pocket and Solicitors costs to pay.

    No job.

    Unfair dismissal cased dismissed due to guilty plea in criminal case. Industrial relations solicitors costs to pay.

    Lunch thief launched civil suit including costs… more solicitors fees. Solicitors advised them to settle out of court with the lunch thief.

    Lunch thief received a verbal warning from HR (nothing noted in employment file as 1st verbal warning) about taking food that was not theirs from communal fridge.

    My advice to the OP ……

    Cut your losses, do not retaliate and don't bring your lunch to work any more or keep it at your desk. If you make a complaint to HR or Fair Work about bullying and harassment be prepared for sudden poor performance reviews and the eventual loss of your job.

    • gummibear on 03/02/2017 - 08:25

      Great info.

      Perhaps chilli would be better? Then you could claim that you like your sandwiches hot. you can't really claim you like laxatives in your sandwich.

      Otherwise, don't label your food so they can't point the finger back at you?

    • xoom on 03/02/2017 - 08:33
      +1

      This is exactly what gives work fridge thieves the balls to steal other peoples food. Instant dismissal ought to sort these inconsiderate arse hats.

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