Would you snitch on a co-worker for stealing? Episode 408

In this episode, Niall asks: What should you do if a co-worker you caught stealing promises to stop — but then you catch them again? The topic comes from an email by a man who saw a colleague slipping store clothes into her bag. She told him she was struggling to pay bills and needed to make ends meet. Out of compassion, he agreed not to tell management if she promised to stop. But now, he’s caught her again — and he doesn’t know if he should keep quiet a second time.

Some callers said he had to report her. They felt that once you give someone a chance and they break that trust, you have no choice. Others argued that turning a blind eye only enables more theft and puts everyone else’s jobs at risk.

Others understood why he hesitated. They said it’s not black and white — maybe she really is desperate, and reporting her could cost her everything. But even then, they admitted it’s tough to keep covering for someone who isn’t stopping.

Niall reflected that these situations test not just your loyalty to a colleague, but your own boundaries and conscience — and sometimes, the line between helping and enabling isn’t as clear as you’d hope.

Date:
27/05/2025