now what?

[josette]

The Warden has been telling me for some time that some friend of Spike's is stealing stuff from our house. Little PS2 video game disks, memory cards from the PS2, the game boy micros, stuff like that went missing. (he even claims to have some adult movies with empty cases) I chalked it up to carelessness and we'd find them on that glorious day

Comments

[scascot]

We had already told Spike no guests when we aren't home, but that is unenforceable.

Not really. A simple B/W video camera (available at Home Depot) connected to a VCR could provide video proof. Similarly, a USB webcam on the computer can do the same, although your thief might steal the camera.

Here is a color camera that I found at Home Depot.

Another idea to consider is that Spike, himself, is taking and selling the items for spending cash.

[josette]

I can't imagine Spike having any expenses that his babysitting money doesn't cover. His dad buys him the games when he wants them. He comes home, does homework and games. I don't see any signs of other expenses, and since I know people that can't pass a drug test, I would recognize them. I suppose I could hook up surveillance not unlike the one they have for showing the beach conditions.
I talked to Spike and told him my concerns, we are (soon) putting a lock on my bedroom/gaming annex, and we'll see how it goes from there.

[beki]

Confirm that his friend is taking stuff, then make Spike pay for the missing items his friend took. If it hits him in his wallet, he may rethink having his "friend" over.

[josette]

Very similar to the Warden's plan, 72 hours to find missing item or reimburse. It can take us a while to notice if something is missing. That may do the trick.