Royal Mail employee stole money from children’s birthday cards
A Royal Mail sorting office manager has been sentenced to six months in jail after being found guilty of stealing money from letters and cards meant for young children. 47-year-old David Baker from Plymouth, Devon used to open envelopes he recognised could potentially have notes or coins in them, pocket the cash and then throw the letter or birthday card into the bin. Staff had started to become suspicious of Mr. Baker because he used to work in the sorting racks, although that was not his job, and used to start his shifts earlier than necessary.
Officials sent an undercover employee to the sorting office to keep an eye on Mr. Baker. On the night that he was arrested Mr. Baker was in position of £75.00 taken from envelopes he had managed to intercept. Three of the envelopes were brightly coloured and Mr. Baker had also taken a £2.00 coin from one envelope. Officials suspect that over the years Mr. Baker probably stole thousands of pounds. Although his salary was £35,000 Mr. Baker and his wife who is a receptionist managed to purchase two homes and two cars. During the Trial Mr. Baker refused to let officials examine his bank statements. However, although it is believed that Mr. Baker had been stealing for some time the judge said that he could only sentence him for those crimes which had been prove. A spokesman for the Royal Mail said that it will always seek to punish those who abuse their position of power.