A homeowner began noticing that money and valuable items were going missing always on the days the housekeeper was present. Growing suspicious, a relative contacted the Shomrim hotline to ask for advice.
Shomrim volunteers responded quickly, investigated the situation, and stayed in close contact with the caller as the pattern continued.
During the housekeeper’s most recent visit, more belongings went missing. A second call was placed to Shomrim while the woman was still in the home. Volunteers responded immediately and alerted the NYPD.
When officers arrived, the housekeeper initially denied taking anything. She then admitted to stealing $100. But when police informed her she was under arrest, she broke down in tears and confessed to taking all the missing items. She returned the stolen property but the NYPD placed her under arrest for both the theft and for lying during the investigation.
Shomrim reminds the community to take simple but important precautions when hiring in-home help:
• Never leave a housekeeper unattended or alone in your home even for a short time.
• Keep cash, jewelry, and valuables stored securely and out of sight.
• Consider installing home security cameras or smart sensors.
• If something feels off, trust your instincts and call Shomrim immediately.
