“Stepping cautiously out of the elevator the well-dressed man looks to his left seeing the secured glass entry doors to the office space, the receptionist is not present, but it will require an access card to enter the suite. He waits in the elevator until he hears the office door open and steps quickly towards the suite entering the space as the employee leaves. Once inside the suite he checks behind the receptionist’s desk looking for her purse and then quickly checks the offices adjacent to the lobby. Exiting the space just 60 seconds later he carries with him the receptionist’s purse examining the contents as he walks back into an elevator.” 

This scenario is based on a real event, that was devastating for the employees of this firm who felt violated, and for the receptionist who lost over five hundred dollars’ worth of cash and personal effects. Office Creepers are typically dressed like the average business person or visitor to a business. They enter an office with the intent to commit burglary by stealing your purse, wallet or laptop(s). Often times they are successful due to the failure of office workers to take basic precautions to safeguard their personal effects and company assets. 

Since the Office Creeper can “blend” so easily into an office environment, employees should be especially alert for subtle signs that might alert them to the presence of a criminal. If you see someone you know is not an employee, but they might be a visitor, ask yourself: Is it normal for the visitor to wander our office space unescorted? Are they dressed properly for our space or is there something ‘not quite right’ about their appearance? If you have a momentary suspicion – act on it. Challenge the person with a direct question: “Who may I help you locate?” Don’t present an open-ended question such as, “Do you need help?” that only requires a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Make full eye contact, press for a name, and if you don’t get a solid response that seems logical to you, insist on escorting the person to whoever they need to see. While a legitimate visitor will appreciate the extra service, the Office Creeper will not appreciate the extra attention and will likely come up with an excuse to leave as quickly as possible. 

Call building security as soon as they leave your space (sooner if possible) with a full description. 

Many Office Creepers exploit natural times of vulnerability. Does your receptionist leave her purse unattended and in plain view at the front desk? Do the first few office workers closest to your lobby keep their doors closed or keep valuables out of sight? Do your late working managers keep a hallway door unlocked when they go to the restroom after hours? Often times Creepers will wait in a restroom stall for a building to go into “night mode” then exit to search for unlocked office spaces, offices being cleaned by janitorial staff, etc. Any place they can enter easily and take things, often entering with an empty backpack or gym bag that is full when they exit the building. 

Be smart and challenge anyone in your office that is not an employee – it’s a good customer service practice and a great security practice. Keep valuables in locked drawers or cabinets – never under your desk or in plain view. Use cable locks on any laptops left in offices after hours, or, even better, have a company “safe” or locking cabinets that all employees can store their laptops in when they travel. Office Creepers are bold, but they are not stupid – they will avoid your office spaces if you make it difficult for them to be successful. 

Having – and enforcing – good visitor management policies is one of the best ways a tenant can combat Office Creepers. Property Management can help in this effort by hosting tenant awareness seminars on Office Creepers which will help your tenants operate more safely – which is good for your entire property. 

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