A couple of months ago I put out a candy dish in my office as a way to create more interaction with other members of my department. It has worked really well and people seem to enjoy both the candy and the interaction. I will exchange pleasantries with most who come in which has been good for me since I'm rather shy.
Everything was going great until the candy started disappearing at an alarming rate. I would have a full bowl when I left for lunch and when I got back there would be two or three pieces left. I immediately suspected these two fat chicks from another department because they are nuts about free food. People used to leave baked goods or treats in the kitchen at work and they would last the whole day. After these two got hired everything is always gone by 10:00. One time I actually saw one of them speed walking to the kitchen after an email was sent out saying there were leftovers from a meeting.
I wanted to know for sure if it was them so I got this app for my tablet that records video with the screen off and left it pointed at the candy dish when I went to lunch yesterday. Last night I looked at the video and saw one of the fat chicks walk into my office two minutes after I left and grab an handful and leave. Then about 10 minutes later the other came in and filled her pockets. Five minutes later the first one came back for a second handful. Even though I fully suspected them, it was still socking to watch.
I have been spending about $8 a week more on candy since these two found my dish. My initial thought was that $8 in not a big deal and I would just keep filling the dish and eat the cost. When I think about it being $400 a year, then I feel a little differently. I don't want to spend that much on two people who do not even bother to say hello.
What should I do?