Latest news with #missingitems
Independent Singapore
29-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
Employer discovers maid threw household items out the window, asks if incident can be reported to police
SINGAPORE: An employer was shocked after discovering through CCTV footage that her domestic helper had thrown household items out of a window. She shared the incident in the 'MDW in Singapore' Facebook group on Sunday (Jul 27), explaining that she had been trying to locate several items that had mysteriously gone missing from her home. Although the items were not particularly expensive, she emphasised that they were essential to her family's daily routine and that replacing them had been both inconvenient and frustrating. She said she had questioned the helper multiple times about the missing items, hoping for an explanation or even a clue as to where they might have gone. However, each time, the helper insisted she had no knowledge of them. Suspecting something was amiss, the employer reviewed the CCTV recordings and was disturbed by what she saw. 'I was shocked to see that she threw it away at the window. She did it in a careful manner…to appear like she was just staring out of the window…but CCTV still captured everything when she touched it and pushed it out of the window,' the employer explained. She added that the incident was especially unexpected, as the helper had always come across as 'respectful, frail-looking, mild-mannered, and cheerful.' 'We really need to be vigilant and not let looks deceive us,' she wrote. The employer also shared that the incident occurred shortly after the family had attempted to make peace with the helper following a prior disagreement. 'There was a misunderstanding with her a few days ago… But we even took the first step to make it right with her even if it's not entirely our fault. We even prayed for her and shared something about God with her, and this incident (throwing away the things) happened like 30 mins after the prayer… Which is so odd…' Seeking advice from the community, she asked whether the incident could be reported to the police. 'Can this be reported to police? So far, I have not decided to take action, and it is unlikely for me to do so… However, it's good to know my options in case this happens again…. because the item thrown is not expensive (quite cheap), but money is still money,' she said. 'If I report to police…I don't even know if this is too simple to be reported…and maybe they will find me a nuisance…' 'Please take action and don't give a chance.' Other employers who responded to the post shared similar experiences with their own domestic helpers and encouraged her to consider finding a replacement. One wrote, 'I had some previous helpers who did similar. Throw wanted good things away purposely. It's like their way of being vindictive. I've learnt over the years that such behaviour is a huge red flag. Crime usually only escalates. Believe that they are the person that they show you.' Another commented, 'Please take action and don't give a chance. If you let her off, she'll just do it again, if not to you, then her next employer.' A third added, 'Throwing things out like that is spiteful, not innocent. Some people hide behind a sweet face, but actions don't lie. You have every right to protect your home. Don't second-guess that.' On the other hand, some others suggested that if the employer still wished to continue the working relationship, she should have an open and honest conversation with the helper. One said, 'If you like her and still want her around, you must sit her down to chat with the CCTV evidence. Explain to her that this will be the first and last conversation you'll have with her about it, and if it happens again, she will be fired.' How to handle a dispute with your domestic helper The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recommends that employers take the following steps when dealing with a dispute or misunderstanding: Communicate your issues. Instead of reacting out of anger or ignoring the problem, take the time to sit down with your helper in a quiet setting. Have an open and honest conversation. Allow her to share her side of the story without interruption, and try to listen with an open mind. At the same time, explain your concerns clearly and respectfully so she understands where you are coming from. Reach out for help. If having an honest conversation doesn't help settle things, you can reach out to your employment agency (EA) for support. If the issue still isn't resolved, groups like the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore) or the Centre for Domestic Employees are also there to offer guidance. Report the incident. If you suspect your helper has committed a criminal offence, report the matter to the authorities. Employers are advised not to take matters into their own hands. Read also: 'I never even thought of running away' — Maid upset after employer refuses to give her a two-month salary advance of S$1.2k
BBC News
05-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
National Library of Wales is missing 2,200 items
About 2,200 items are missing at the National Library of Wales - an increase of 84% in two the archives and manuscripts missing are deeds of 13th Century Powis Castle, and "rolls" and "pedigree" documents from Gwrych Castle in Abergele, Conwy county, which twice hosted ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!Among missing books are the history of the national library building itself in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, by Daniel Huws, and books by George Bernard Shaw and Virginia library is creating a new "collection care" department and is currently recruiting a head of the department, as well as a head of unique collections. The number unaccounted for is significantly higher than the 1,200 items that were missing when BBC Wales gained figures through a Freedom of Information request in September 2023. A spokesperson said the increase is due to "new stock checking processes".The library is a legal deposit library, which means it is entitled to a copy of every print publication in Britain and Ireland, and no items are allowed to be taken from the the 2,206 missing items, the request under the latest Freedom of Information Act by BBC Wales showed that:1,708 books and magazines are missing, some since 1999 393 maps, some since 193982 in the "archives and manuscripts" category, some since 1978 21 "screen and sound" items, some since 2019two items in the "pictures and photographs" category, one since 2009 and the other since 2023Missing archives include papers of J Glyn Davies whose songs for children include Cerddi Huw Puw (1923), which are based on sailors' songs he had heard during his have been described as bearing "the marks of a genius".Also missing are papers relating to Chirk Castle near Wrexham, the construction of which began around 1295 during the reign of Edward sound recordings include the satirical song "Carlo" by Dafydd Iwan which was written for the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales in 1969, and a recording by Treorchy Male journals include issues of the library's own journal, Welsh History Review, Flintshire Historical Society, Gwent Local History and The Carmarthen books cover topics from Owain Glyndŵr, the last native-born Welshman to claim the title Prince of Wales, to a biography of Keir Hardie, the first parliamentary leader of the Labour 1818 edition of 'The Pleasures of Imagination' by Mark Akenside is missing, as is Lady Charlotte Schreiber's journals (1911), the "confidences" of a collector of ceramics and antiques.A book by Phil Thompson and Tommy Smith called "Do That Again Son, and I'll Break Your Legs: Football's Hardmen" is also not accounted maps include a malt whisky map of Scotland, and several maps relating to Gogerddan, the principal estate of the old county of Cardiganshire in the 17th century. The library's head of communications, Rhodri ap Dyfrig, said that staff had "introduced new stock checking processes for published collections and therefore we fully expected that there would be an increase in the items recorded as not being in their correct location".He added: "The thorough process of monitoring of misplaced items takes place continuously and these checks are a normal and integral part of maintaining standards and good practice in the library sector."Due to this constant monitoring and work, the data we provide is a snapshot of a specific period in time, and this figure fluctuates regularly as items are found and relocated."The library carries out an annual audit of items worth more than £10,000 and no missing items that cross that threshold were found over the last library's collections include seven million books and newspapers, 1.5 million maps and 950,000 photographs located across 160 miles of Welsh government said: "The care and management of its collections is a matter for the National Library. "In doing so, it meets the Archive Service Accreditation – the UK-wide standard for archive services."
BBC News
03-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dover flat fire victim returns home to find property stolen
A woman who was evacuated from her home after a fire said she returned to find valued possessions of 38 flats at Conqueror House in Dover, Kent, have been placed in temporary accommodation following the blaze in an external bin on 20 April. When Lisa Bones was allowed to collect belongings she discovered a bracelet, her passport and birth certificate had gone, describing it as if she had "lost her identity".Her housing association Town & Country Housing (TCH) said it was aware there had been break-ins and was working with the police. Ms Bones said: "I'm devastated and upset that I've lost my home and my property."She and her partner, Lee Fletcher, also said they have struggled to furnish their temporary home as it was without basic items such as crockery and Fletcher has a hip replacement and bad back but their medical mattress was destroyed and they are not allowed to furnish their temporary home with a replacement, said Ms Bones."They're expecting us to sleep in single beds which are for children," she added. "I don't think Lee will last another two weeks in them."TCH said: "Nine Conqueror House residents have moved into properties at Coombe House. "These are furnished, including bedding, but residents can use their own bedding or move furniture to suit their needs."We met with Ms Bones before and after she moved in and explained this to her, and we're sorry if there has been any confusion. We will contact her again to clarify this." Kent County Councillor James Defriend said he was impressed by how the community "pulled together to donate furniture, clothing, and essential items like shampoo".TCH said electricity has been reconnected and repairs would soon start, with residents of the least damaged flats returning in two spokesperson added: "It's upsetting to hear that items have gone missing from Ms Bones' home."We have had 24/7 security at the building since the fire and installed extra CCTV."Kent Police said it was investigating a report of the theft of Ms Bones' property.
