Page 18 - Handbook for House Staff

Guidelines for Responding to Suspected Theft in the Boarding House continued...
4. Involving the Police
• The Housem, in consultation with the Director of Pastoral Welfare or Deputy Head, will decide whether the police should be contacted.
• This may be necessary if the value of the missing item is significant, if there is clear evidence of theft, or if incidents are repeated. Parents may need a crime incident number to claim from their insurance.
• Past experience with the police has been variable. These have been past responses from the police:
1. Usually there is no response. No spare resources.
2. Sometimes, police officers visit the boarding house and speak to pupils to educate them about theft e.g. marking valuable items with UV pens.
3. Rarely, police officers visit have helped with investigations e.g. visiting the boarding house and taking fingerprints.
5. Educating Pupils
House staff should use incidents as opportunities to reinforce:
• The importance of respecting other people’s property and never borrowing without permission.
• The school’s zero tolerance for theft, and the potential consequences (including disciplinary action and possible police involvement).
• The importance of personal responsibility for safeguarding possessions: – Use of room safes for cash, electronics, and other valuables.
– Avoiding leaving belongings unattended in communal areas.
– Keeping boarding rooms locked when unattended.
6. Follow-Up
• Keep the pupil who reported the missing item informed of any progress.
• If the item is found, return it promptly and close the matter with a clear record.
• If theft is proven, please liaise with the Head of Pupil Guidance and Deputy Head.
• If the matter is unresolved, note this in house records and continue to monitor.
7. Other points to note
• Pupils often suspect operational staff e.g. cleaners. Try to discourage this unless there is strong evidence to the contrary. It is usually far more likely to be another pupil than a member of staff.
• Pupils will sometimes set up cameras e.g. on laptops. You should be careful about encouraging/condoning this. However, we can’t stop it, and it might provide useful evidence!
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