Unauthorized microwave use

[dud]

All, I am having an issue at work which will provide you with an opportunity to be creative. My division (at work) purchased a microwave years ago to heat up our food. It was marked as being ours, purchased with our funds. Well, a few years ago other divisions started using our microwave, even though it was clearly marked as ours. After a few frustrating attempts to keep people from using it we gave up and purchased a second microwave that is situated in our secretary's work area ... leaving the old unit to the vultures.

Fast-forward to today ...

Theold microwave that we gave up to the cheap bastards we work with has given up the ghost. it's still sitting there because the vultures are too lazy and cheap to replace it. I am now getting reports from our secretaries that personnel from other divisions are now using our NEW microwave, even though it has three (3) signs telling them not too! We have "locked" out unauthorized users on the keypad ... but someone figured (or was told) how to unlock it. We even turned the power off and unplugged it ... but the buzzards are undetered. they just plug it right back in.


Here's the question: Have you ever run into this problem? If so how did you deal with this level of rudeness?

If you have any intelligent, LEGAL and not-about-to-get-me-arrested solutions I would appreciate it.

 

[Barfo]

Padlock

/thread

 

[Evadman]

Don't be a pussy? confront them as they are using it and tell them to get their own damn microwave.

 

[Baked]

We have these things call doors at work that comes with a component called locks. Only people in our office have the keys so strangers don't waltz in and steal our personal belongings or use our microwave or drink our bottle water.

 

[ggnl]

What's wrong with them using your microwave?

 

[racolvin]

Put the microwave in your office and donkey punch anyone that comes in that's an unauthorized user.

Or, take a stance of dominance in the common area and hang out, waiting for the unauthorized users to show up and pounce on them at that time.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: ggnl
What's wrong with them using your microwave?

This. What's the issue? How about asking your company to purchase a microwave for kitchen.

 

[CRXican]

I don't see the problem. You don't need it 8 hours a day do you?

 

[BoomerD]

Start charging $1.00 per minute for microwave time. You can quickly recoup the costs of the unit and will bank enough to buy a new one when the time comes...or, they'll buy their own microwave.

 

[dullard]

Someone from ATOT will turn any non-problem into a serious panic.

At work, I used to borrow other people's microwaves for lunch. That got frustrating, since it was locked in their offices and they weren't always available. So, I did what seemed natural. I bought a $2 used microwave (heck a brand new one can be had for only $50). I used it for a year or two, then found another job. I left that microwave behind. A few years later I came back to the first job, and that $2 microwave was still there. I've been back at that job for 2 years and I rarely use my microwave, but I have no problem when 10 other people use it daily.

$2 will solve your problem just like it solved mine. Are you willing to donate $2 to your company to end your horrible disaster?

 

[imported_Champ]

Originally posted by: dullard
Someone from ATOT will turn any non-problem into a serious panic.

At work, I used to borrow other people's microwaves for lunch. That got frustrating, since it was locked in their offices and they weren't always available. So, I did what seemed natural. I bought a $2 used microwave (heck a brand new one can be had for only $50). I used it for a year or two, then found another job. I left that microwave behind. A few years later I came back to the first job, and that $2 microwave was still there. I've been back at that job for 2 years and I rarely use my microwave, but I have no problem when 10 other people use it daily.

$2 will solve your problem just like it solved mine. Are you willing to donate $2 to your company to end your horrible disaster?

I'm going to bet the answer is no

 

[sao123]

1 remove microwave
2 eat food cold
3 /drama

 

[Farang]

catch people doing it, and casually walk up just before the buzzer rings and take their food. stroll out taking a bite out of it, looking them straight in the eye.

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: Evadman
Don't be a pussy? confront them as they are using it and tell them to get their own damn microwave.

this. if the secs are able to notice when the people are using it, she can pick up a damn phone and call you at that time so you can go over and make sure they dont touch your red stapler.

 

[Chronoshock]

Walk up to one of the offenders and make some small talk
"Hey I could use some parenting advice, my kid keeps on using our neighbor's swing set and the neighbor's have told him it's not okay, they've even put up signs saying not for public use. What should I tell him?"

Then repeat back exactly what they said in a slow condescending voice.

If that doesn't work, start a slap fight

 

[dud]

Thanks for all the lovely replies. There is no drama in this situation. People who are too cheap to buy ther own unit are using ours. The microwave cannot be locked up as it is not in an office.

And for those who ask what the problem is ... would you want almost perfect strangers using your appliances, without permission? These people make messes and DO NOT clean them up. You have to wonder what their houses look like.

And for those who mentioned monitoring the unit ... no can do. I sit 150 feet away and cannot see it.

 

[scott916]

We had a similar problem with donuts and coffee left out for our staff. We put out a tray of the JB Bernie Botts beans, and we havent had a problem since.

 

[Exterous]

Originally posted by: dud
These people make messes and DO NOT clean them up. You have to wonder what their houses look like.

The last place I worked no one took care of the microwave and it looked horrible and I never wanted to use it. So if this is the case I can completely understand why you don't want others to use your microwave

 

[sdifox]

retinal scan. Post a sign that says user must pass retinal scan before they can use microwave. Instruct user to stick head in microwave and look at the dome on top.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Farang
catch people doing it, and casually walk up just before the buzzer rings and take their food. stroll out taking a bite out of it, looking them straight in the eye.

your strongaoff was tasty BTW.

 

[Auggie]

Originally posted by: Farang
catch people doing it, and casually walk up just before the buzzer rings and take their food. stroll out taking a bite out of it, looking them straight in the eye.

YOU FORGOT TO MENTION THE STANCE OF DOMINANCE

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Farang
catch people doing it, and casually walk up just before the buzzer rings and take their food. stroll out taking a bite out of it, looking them straight in the eye.

your strongaoff was tasty BTW.

thanks, was probably this new citrus infused soap I started using and I took your advice and drank pineapple juice all day

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: Auggie

Originally posted by: Farang
catch people doing it, and casually walk up just before the buzzer rings and take their food. stroll out taking a bite out of it, looking them straight in the eye.

YOU FORGOT TO MENTION THE STANCE OF DOMINANCE

WITH ME THE STANCE OF DOMINANCE IS ALWAYS ASSUMED

 

[mugs]

Your employer needs to buy them a microwave. Honestly, what workplace doesn't have a microwave these days?

 

[So]

Buy a metal box. Put a plug *inside* the box, run the cord for the microwave into the screwed shut box. Put one of these on the face of the box. Have an extension cord running out of the box to the outlet.