I had a cleaning lady who came highly recommended by someone I knew personally and worked for us for 8 years. Years 1 through 7 were great. She added two new ladies during the 8th year. I told my three kids never to leave gift cards or valuables visible in their rooms. My son noticed cash missing from his dresser. He had placed it in a drawer under some clothing. There was no reason for anyone other than him to be in his dresser. He can be a bit scattered, so I didn’t think too much of it…figured he was possibly forgetting that he had taken it out.
Fast forward a couple of months, 1k in cash disappears from my daughter’s dresser drawer. Sealed in an envelope, under her clothes. Tips from work. I had to let my cleaning lady go. Clearly there was theft.
We have a gun safe that all paperwork and valuables that aren’t worn daily (including my and my daughter’s fine jewelry) is stored in. My bags are on shelves in my bedroom walk-in closet. Some in dust bags, some not. That closet is closed and off-limits to cleaners. No jewelry is ever left out, even costume. It took a while, but I did hire the beloved, long-term cleaning lady of a friend. I told her what happened and that I would prefer she work alone. She does, and it has been great. No more “I’m adding some new helpers” situations for me!
TraceySH, that’s an incredible story. I can’t believe what people do!