New computer stolen by builder

By computer I assume you mean a laptop rather than an actual desktop computer? Just tell the foreman that it's gone and that you're reporting the loss to the police and see what happens. Good luck. For goodness sake don't do nothing!

The police would be my first port of call. this is sickening and I am sorry that you are having to go through this. Blimey we trust these people in our house and they do that.

I’m also puzzled why this does not bother you.

The computer doesn’t bother me
I find it hard to understand simply dismissing the theft of a new computer- presumably a laptop?
We are talking several hundred £££ aren’t we?
I could not afford to write that off - it wouldbe an insurance claim and that would involve the police and a crime number surely?
Why are you not bothered by it? Or are you not sure about your suspicions?
I’m puzzled.

My friend would say put it out to the universe I know, easier said than done.
My big worry would be the passwords. I assume you contacted everyone.
Do you have a password app on your phone?
I would be very careful Re upsetting a builder. Is water and electrics involved in the refurb? They could leave you with a lot of faults that might not show up for some time. By then he’s long gone and trying to prove that he created those faults will be very hard to prove.

Whether it’s foolproof I don’t know, but we only use people recommended on the Which Trusted Traders site. It’s worked for us so far.

What an awful experience, a sickening act.

Assuming your suspect isn't the actual owner of the business, I'd have a polite word with him and tell him about your suspicions. Say you won't take the matter to the police if the computer and passwords book are returned.
He may already have doubts about that particular employee and he really does need to know if this individual isn't honest as he can't afford to employ people who can't be 100% trusted. He should also deduct the cost of a new computer from his final bill.
How very unpleasant for you.

Secure you passwords and give the builder 48 hours to return it or call the Police.

I think your priority here is to change passwords and inform your bank and any other financial body that your passwords have been stolen. Report the theft to the police. They are unlikely to do anything apart from give you a crime reference number. You can then use this for insurance purposes in case anything else guesses missing.
BUT secure all your passwords first.

Oreo

I agree, or at least start by contacting the building company owner setting out what has happened, if he comes down hard on the workers it may be returned to you.😉
The threat of police involvement and you terminating the renovation may be enough.
Don’t stand by and do nothing.

Definitely this, as a first port of call before police involvement.

Has anyone else apart from the builders had access to your home?

I agree, or at least start by contacting the building company owner setting out what has happened, if he comes down hard on the workers it may be returned to you.😉
The threat of police involvement and you terminating the renovation may be enough.
Don’t stand by and do nothing.

Definitely report to Police straight away.

Builder Theft – What to Do (UK Guide You Can Share)

A builder stealing a computer and a book of passwords is a serious crime (theft and potentially fraud/identity crime). Here’s what to do:

Report it to the police
Call 101 (non-emergency) or report online. If you feel at risk, call 999.
Give details of the builder, dates, and what was taken. Keep the crime reference number.
Secure all accounts immediately
Assume all passwords are compromised.
Change email passwords first, then banking, shopping, and everything else.
Turn on two-factor authentication where possible.
Contact your bank
Tell them passwords may have been stolen.
Ask them to monitor accounts and add extra security.
Report fraud risk
Contact Action Fraud (UK national fraud reporting centre).
Keep evidence
Save all messages, invoices, and any CCTV footage.
Report the builder
If they were found via Checkatrade or TrustMark, report them there too.
Check insurance / recovery options
Home insurance may cover theft. You could also consider small claims court if the builder is identified.

Important:
Builders in the UK are not required to have criminal background checks for normal home jobs, and checks are not a guarantee of honesty.

Safety tips going forward:
Keep valuables and documents locked away, don’t leave passwords lying around, and avoid large upfront payments.

From ChatGPT

More to the point have you paid him anything upfront?
Could you move back in whilst the them/him are there?
Pity you didn’t have a camera set up.
Are you sure it was them/him?
I don’t think police will do too much without proof, tbh.
I blinking hate having workmen in, unless I know & trust that person.
We did have a plasterer’s in once. I discovered plaster foot prints up to our cd stands- later found to have a couple missing😩
Where have you got this bloke from? Did he come recommended?
I do hope you get your items back, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

What does your insurance company say?

It’s horrible isn’t it
I had a builder in doing my bathroom some years back he was highly recommended as a friend by a close work mate and nearly finished a good job going over and above what I d expected
His last day and had an SOS to go to my grandchildren, it was about quarter to five and he would finish at 5 pm so I said …
I ve just got to pop out for five minutes if you finish before I come back just pull the door to lock as you go out. I ve got my keys . He didn’t know I was going out for the whole evening
When I got back I d been broken into and things stolen, of course he knew nothing about it and I could prove nothing !!!!

Well I’d certainly do something, although I’m not sure what. It must be a horrible feeling that someone has obviously rummaged through your house. If the renovation was finished it surely would be a police matter, but really difficult if they’re only half way through. Are you pleased with the work so far?