Research by employment law consultancy Peninsula has discovered that, even though 81 per cent of those who have stolen believe that stealing is morally wrong, the problem is still commonplace.

The survey found that employees are prepared to steal anything from stationery items to computer programmes and equipment.

Peninsula's managing director, Peter Done, warned that the problem of workplace theft is often underestimated.

Commenting on the survey of 2,062 office workers, Mr Done said: "We appear to be becoming a culture where it is deemed evermore acceptable and commonplace to steal from your employer."

The managing director pointed out that success in stealing small items could tempt employees to attempt larger and more expensive items, which could prove costly for companies.

"Workers need to realise that they simply cannot continually get away with stealing from their employer, it is an illegal act and criminal prosecutions can be brought against them for doing so," he insisted.

Mr Done recommends that employers stress the consequences for stealing in employees' contracts.