So, I started back at work today after having just over 3 weeks break. Man, getting out of bed this morning was a big struggle. I enjoyed my time off but was disappointed the weather here wasn't better. It has been a very cool summer, with lots of wind and storms. It wasn't conducive to sitting on a beach or for swimming. However, I did spend a lot of time sitting on my balcony, taking in the rays when they came out and generally relaxing.
Anyway, I get back to work to find someone had come into my department and stolen my computer off my desk. This person also helped themselves to a number of other items around the department, including some Christmas gifts from one staff member to another. I was absolutely staggered.
I work in a very large public hospital with cameras and security guards all over the place. Yet someone waltzed in and out with my computer. It wasn't just the box they took. No, they took the screen, keyboard, mouse, speakers, earphones and yes, even the mouse mat. They took all the associated cables, including the one from my phone but left the assortment of bits and pieces and crap usually sitting on my box.
First of all, I am stunned it happened. The amount of work I've lost, despite having a regular backup program in place, is concerning me. I've also lost all my contacts and emails I've kept for the last 6 years or more. I thought email and contact backups were maintained but found out this morning this service is provided only by request. By request! Arrrgggh...
Secondly, I am even more so stunned because it would have to almost certainly be an inside job. My department is locked after hours and has motion-detectors hooked up to alarms in the security head office. There are back ways in but you have to work here to know these. So it means some rotten bastard (or bitch, for that matter) who WORKS here has come in and stolen my PC. Some rotten scumbag opportunist saw my PC as the perfect Christmas present and took it, without having any regard for the amount of work that might be on it and the hassles taking it would cause.
Of course, my boss is running around trying to instigate 'necessary security processes' but it is too little too late. What is the use of fetching water when the fire has already gone out? What a great way to start 2007... NOT!