Disgruntled ex employee

At one place where I had my vehicles and a semi trailer that I used for a shop some small things were disappearing. It was evident that someone was doing some prowling around. Nothing real valuable, some aluminum scrap and a heavy extension cord. To shed some light on this I installed large spotlights that were controlled by motion detectors. If someone came too close to the goods the lights would go on in zones and stay on for quite a while. I talked with the neighbors [it was on the edge of a residential area] who I got along with and asked them to call me or 911 if the lights ever popped on. Never got a call and things stopped disappearing. It was nice to have the lights go on in the early winter mornings when the sun wasn't up or in the evening if I had to go to the shop.

Something that would be really easy to do would be to setup security cams too. They could be wired to go on with the motion detector lights. A recording telling them that they are being taped and a call to 911 was in progress might get the miscreants something to think about too.

Anything can be hooked up to a motion detector. I read an article about a guy using one to turn on the sprinklers in his garden to 'shoot' the deer who helped themselves to his salad bar. It was cheap, quiet and effective.
 
This situation is what it is. But next time it is how the dismissal is handled. Firm, fair, honest with some empathy seem to resolve these issues. He knows he's a bad employee and should be fired, you just have to remind him of that.
 
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Get your concealed carry permit.

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In California? You could be arrested just for saying the word 'gun'. As far as a paintball gun... any 'projectile weapon' (bb gun, slingshot!, etc.) is illegal to discharge within city limits, probably the whole state! Gotta hand it to 'em though, that strict gun control sure keeps the violent crime down!
rolleyes.gif


Anyway, call the cops. Too bad you can't take care of him yourself, that'll probably just lead to more trouble. All that extra stress in your life now because of some dingdong!
 
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While handling the dismissals with empathy and tact is good, it's how one conducts the hiring process that can avoid many problems.

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Treehumper,

I agree with you, and I did the best I could do at the beginning. I do not think it is possible to find all about a person from a few documents, unless you have a magic ball. I am a micro business, and I thought I chose this person pretty carefully. It's hard to pick out a liar after one interview, IMHO. If you have some good ideas, other then a CDL check, a background check and employer references, I would like to know what you do. Thanks
 
My appologies for going off subject but I noticed a distinct cultural difference between the Canadian and US approach on this post. And people are people in any culture, including many super great americans. But the american responce was guns, police, security. Canadian responce proper verbal and business techniques. Hmmm.
 
Behavioural interviewing questions that go to how they handled past situations including negative situations. In that way you can also query the employer about the incidents he cited. A past employer can reveal negative behaviours as long as they are fact based statements without leaving themselves open to a lawsuit.

Because you're a micro business in the service industry it is all the more reason to develop your interviewing and screening skills. Tons of books on the subject.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
 
Are you trying to say that in Canada when a kid shows up smacked out on meth and starts smashing truck windows you guys would come out, offer him a beer, and try to verbally reason with him? OR, you let him do it and write it off as a bad business decision on your part? If I'm reading your post right it sounds a little off.
 
We're talking about actions to take before hand in the process of hiring not dealing with the aftermath. A kid showing up smacked out on meth? Did he just start using after you hired him or were you aware of the problem?

Obviously in the situation you've outlined a call to the police and have him busted would be the course of action.

read my post above....
 
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Anything can be hooked up to a motion detector. I read an article about a guy using one to turn on the sprinklers in his garden to 'shoot' the deer who helped themselves to his salad bar. It was cheap, quiet and effective.

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I bet that would be equally effective on punk kids.

Another really cheep trick I have heard (if your truck is fairly close by) is baby moniters, the kind that lets you hear them cry. Put it in the truck and if anyone breaks a window or something it'll wake you up. Then atleast you can see who it is and hopefully have something to tell the cops.

The other thing is people are right about calling the cops. Then if anything ever comes up, it is your second call, and he already has a complaint against him. It will make a BIG difference in where things go from there.

Also, good luck with all of this. It sucks and is for no reason.
 
as far as self defence Mace/pepper spray is very effective, or a tazer, which ever might be legal where you are. If you have already called the police and made a report it is on record so if anything happens the police should be on your side.
 
Go to the court clerk and file a temp restraining order if you are serious. You and the ex employee will have to appear in court and permenant order can be enforced. then anytime he contacts you he will violate the order and have to be arrested.
 
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