Most people admit to stealing from their employer

A study by a private investigation firm showed that potentially over £432 million of company goods, including laptops, confidential personal data and televisions, are taken every year from employers.

Of 1,476 people questioned, 78% had stolen from their place of work at some point in their lives. On average they had taken more than £920 worth of items throughout their careers. The research stipulated that office stationary did not count (!), and the average was pushed up by several people who claimed to have stolen more than £5,000 worth of goods.

Private investigator Jorge Salgado-Reyes, said: "In my line of work, you get used to shocking stories and facts, but these stats make for pretty scary reading.

"Companies are doing little to stop thefts of these kinds, with very few having deterrents such as monitored CCTV or robust asset management systems in place."

Among the stolen items anonymously divulged were large sums of cash, alcohol, furniture and computer equipment.