wrongly accused of shoplifting

dubmando

Can someone advise please? my husband and I were in a well known shop today and have THE most awful experience. When we left the store (we did not purchase anything) my husband was carrying 1 bag with purchases from the store next door as was I. A ex-colleague greeted me and we stopped to talk, next the security man ran outside, stopped at us, and said we had to come back immediately to the store. I asked why, obviously shocked and not thinking clearly he said he wanted to search our bags and we had to "get back in ". I became very afraid by his very aggressive manner and asked could he call the gardai, as I was also afraid my husband would respond negatively to this mans aggression and would start to argue. We went back inside and my husband emptied the bags at the tills where he directed us to go, he looked through the 6 items of clothes that were in the bags without saying a word and went back to his station (in the corner beside the till area) and started to look at his little screen thing. My husband and I stood looking at the other customers looking at us,bewildered and completely confused. He then came over and demanded both of our names and addresses, I again asked him had he contacted the gardai, and requested that he did immediately. A member of staff approached him and they started to speak with their hands to their mouths, the staff member then approached us and said he was a manager, he said he was sorry for what had occurred, the security was leased to them?? and this was nothing to do with the store. I asked him to please call the gardai, the security man was circling where my husband and I were still standing with our purchased items still on the floor, and he still had not acknowleged he was mistaken, had not apologised and still seemed to be quite aggressive. looking at us as if we had done something wrong, this is not an exaggeration of any sort honestly. The manager said "no,. the gardai had not been called,and would not be, as we had not stolen anything so there was no point in wasting their time,as they possibly would not turn up anyhow" I then rang the gardai myself.,I will admit, I was quite upset at this time, and I did not know/think I was free to leave, I know, in hindsight this was ridiculous for me to even think I needed their permission to do so, but we were still awaiting somebody to say this was a huge mistake and to apologise (the security man had still not uttered a word, other than when he followed us from the store.The ban gardai asked to speak to the security man, I handed him the phone, she then spoke to the manager, they handed my phone back to me, and them the security man said he made a mistake and was sorry. The ban gardai spoke to me and said it was ok for us to leave. On the journey home, my husband and I did not speak one word, both of us felt so shocked. On the journey the district manager or area manager rang my husbands phone, my husband told him he did not want to discuss this, as he was driving, and because he felt at that time he could not. The manager said he would ring him tommorow. My husband has said he cannot honestly remember what this man said he wanted to discuss, We arrived home and collected our children, my father was horrified at what had happened as were we. Having sat down and calmed down and discussed these awful events, I feel this is a disgrace, and also feel disgusted at my own behaviour, that I allowed myself to be frogmarched back inside a store, and publicly humiliated in such a manner. I feel I should have shouted and roared instead of depending on other peoples courtesy and good order to prevail. My husband and I are(a youngish) intelligent law abiding people who expect to be treated as we would treat other people in society, with dignity and courtesy. Is this type of thing normal, and have others experienced similar experience?

axer

Might be a good idea to put in a few paragraphs as I attempted to read it but gave up.

James Forde

dubmando wrote: »

Can someone advise please? my husband and I were in a well known shop today and have THE most awful experience. When we left the store (we did not purchase anything) my husband was carrying 1 bag with purchases from the store next door as was I. A ex-colleague greeted me and we stopped to talk, next the security man ran outside, stopped at us, and said we had to come back immediately to the store.

I asked why, obviously shocked and not thinking clearly he said he wanted to search our bags and we had to "get back in ". I became very afraid by his very aggressive manner and asked could he call the gardai, as I was also afraid my husband would respond negatively to this mans aggression and would start to argue.


We went back inside and my husband emptied the bags at the tills where he directed us to go, he looked through the 6 items of clothes that were in the bags without saying a word and went back to his station (in the corner beside the till area) and started to look at his little screen thing. My husband and I stood looking at the other customers looking at us,bewildered and completely confused. He then came over and demanded both of our names and addresses, I again asked him had he contacted the gardai, and requested that he did immediately.

A member of staff approached him and they started to speak with their hands to their mouths, the staff member then approached us and said he was a manager, he said he was sorry for what had occurred, the security was leased to them?? and this was nothing to do with the store. I asked him to please call the gardai, the security man was circling where my husband and I were still standing with our purchased items still on the floor, and he still had not acknowleged he was mistaken, had not apologised and still seemed to be quite aggressive.

looking at us as if we had done something wrong, this is not an exaggeration of any sort honestly. The manager said "no,. the gardai had not been called,and would not be, as we had not stolen anything so there was no point in wasting their time,as they possibly would not turn up anyhow" I then rang the gardai myself.,I will admit, I was quite upset at this time, and I did not know/think I was free to leave, I know, in hindsight this was ridiculous for me to even think I needed their permission to do so, but we were still awaiting somebody to say this was a huge mistake and to apologise (the security man had still not uttered a word, other than when he followed us from the store.


The ban gardai asked to speak to the security man, I handed him the phone, she then spoke to the manager, they handed my phone back to me, and them the security man said he made a mistake and was sorry. The ban gardai spoke to me and said it was ok for us to leave. On the journey home, my husband and I did not speak one word, both of us felt so shocked. On the journey the district manager or area manager rang my husbands phone, my husband told him he did not want to discuss this, as he was driving, and because he felt at that time he could not. The manager said he would ring him tommorow. My husband has said he cannot honestly remember what this man said he wanted to discuss,

We arrived home and collected our children, my father was horrified at what had happened as were we. Having sat down and calmed down and discussed these awful events, I feel this is a disgrace, and also feel disgusted at my own behaviour, that I allowed myself to be frogmarched back inside a store, and publicly humiliated in such a manner.


I feel I should have shouted and roared instead of depending on other peoples courtesy and good order to prevail. My husband and I are(a youngish) intelligent law abiding people who expect to be treated as we would treat other people in society, with dignity and courtesy. Is this type of thing normal, and have others experienced similar experience?

sorry, paragraphs help

The Muppet

dubmando wrote: »

Can someone advise please? my husband and I were in a well known shop today and have THE most awful experience. When we left the store (we did not purchase anything) my husband was carrying 1 bag with purchases from the store next door as was I. A ex-colleague greeted me and we stopped to talk, next the security man ran outside, stopped at us, and said we had to come back immediately to the store. I asked why, obviously shocked and not thinking clearly he said he wanted to search our bags and we had to "get back in ". I became very afraid by his very aggressive manner and asked could he call the gardai, as I was also afraid my husband would respond negatively to this mans aggression and would start to argue. We went back inside and my husband emptied the bags at the tills where he directed us to go, he looked through the 6 items of clothes that were in the bags without saying a word and went back to his station (in the corner beside the till area) and started to look at his little screen thing. My husband and I stood looking at the other customers looking at us,bewildered and completely confused. He then came over and demanded both of our names and addresses, I again asked him had he contacted the gardai, and requested that he did immediately. A member of staff approached him and they started to speak with their hands to their mouths, the staff member then approached us and said he was a manager, he said he was sorry for what had occurred, the security was leased to them?? and this was nothing to do with the store. I asked him to please call the gardai, the security man was circling where my husband and I were still standing with our purchased items still on the floor, and he still had not acknowleged he was mistaken, had not apologised and still seemed to be quite aggressive. looking at us as if we had done something wrong, this is not an exaggeration of any sort honestly. The manager said "no,. the gardai had not been called,and would not be, as we had not stolen anything so there was no point in wasting their time,as they possibly would not turn up anyhow" I then rang the gardai myself.,I will admit, I was quite upset at this time, and I did not know/think I was free to leave, I know, in hindsight this was ridiculous for me to even think I needed their permission to do so, but we were still awaiting somebody to say this was a huge mistake and to apologise (the security man had still not uttered a word, other than when he followed us from the store.The ban gardai asked to speak to the security man, I handed him the phone, she then spoke to the manager, they handed my phone back to me, and them the security man said he made a mistake and was sorry. The ban gardai spoke to me and said it was ok for us to leave. On the journey home, my husband and I did not speak one word, both of us felt so shocked. On the journey the district manager or area manager rang my husbands phone, my husband told him he did not want to discuss this, as he was driving, and because he felt at that time he could not. The manager said he would ring him tommorow. My husband has said he cannot honestly remember what this man said he wanted to discuss, We arrived home and collected our children, my father was horrified at what had happened as were we. Having sat down and calmed down and discussed these awful events, I feel this is a disgrace, and also feel disgusted at my own behaviour, that I allowed myself to be frogmarched back inside a store, and publicly humiliated in such a manner. I feel I should have shouted and roared instead of depending on other peoples courtesy and good order to prevail. My husband and I are(a youngish) intelligent law abiding people who expect to be treated as we would treat other people in society, with dignity and courtesy. Is this type of thing normal, and have others experienced similar experience?

Contact a solicitor , tell the area manager you're not prepared to discuss it until you speak to a solicitor, when he rings back. , that's disgraceful.

montane

The security man just asked you to come back into the store. He didn't accuse you of stealing. You obeyed all his requests without question. If he told you to jump off a bridge, would you have without question.

Now had he restrained either of you, or called you a thief, it would be a very different matter.

Dont be so sensitive, and next time just keep on walking.

Doom

A nice BIG voucher coming your way I think;)

antoinolachtnai

This is very bad for the store. Very very bad. You are obviously very upset. You should speak to a solicitor before you speak to the staff of the store again.

Latchy

You should have a full written apology by the store manager OP .Contact your solicitor to see if you can take this further.

Sponge Bob

Montane is completely right. You went with the security man and complied, next time force the security man to make a decision outside the store. They generally disappear PDQ when you do tell them to decide.

**** happens but it is best not to comply with it!

foxinsox

Normally if someone is "suspected" of shop lifting:

A security guard/manager would want to be 100% sure that they have seen someone conceal products and leave the store. If there is any doubt whatsoever, no action should be taken, for the exact reasons of how you have been treated.

If the 100% is present and the "customer" has left the premises: the usual procedure is to ask the "customer" to please accompany them back to the store as they may have something that they may have forgotten to pay for :rolleyes: or some such words!

as far as I know the "customer" must be brought to a private area of the store - NOT in full view of the public. Then usually a bag search is done, if the "customer" is found in possesion of products that they forgot to pay for, usually the Gardai are called and an arrest is made at this point.

Most big stores are so so careful in these matters as to avoid false accusations and unless the 100% proof is there they let it slide.

As someone pointed out, the security guard asked you to come back in to search your bags. You were in shock and didn't think to question this.

Did he accuse you of stealing?
Did he say why he wanted to search your bags?

Did he offer you privacy? A chance to go to an office?

I'd be more concerned that this was all done in public, I would say that the Manager is raging with this security guard. I can understand why he said there was no need to call the Gardai and he was probably right about them not turning up.

I hope you are both feeling a bit better now

I'd wait and see what the Area Manager has to say to you. Only you can decide whether you feel you need to see a solicitor, I'm not really into the whole sueing culture myself. But I would make it very clear in writing to the store that you had a horrible time and you are not one bit happy about the treatment you received.

Best of luck

EDIT: meant to say the manager saying that "security is leased" - that is a load of crap.. it is their security guard operating on their premises - They leased the security guard and I reckon he was saying that to fob you off!

ScouseMouse

So where exactly in this experience were you actually accused of shoplifting?

hinault

The store manager phoned you because he knows that the store and the security guard made a mistake.
The store manager realises that the position of the store and it's security staff is compromised as a result.

Before entering any discussion with anyone from that store, I think that you need to contact your solicitor.
Explain to your solicitor what happened and follow whatever advice he gives you.

montane

hinault wrote: »

The store manager phoned you because he knows that the store and the security guard made a mistake.
The store manager realises that the position of the store and it's security staff is compromised as a result.

Before entering any discussion with anyone from that store, I think that you need to contact your solicitor.
Explain to your solicitor what happened and follow whatever advice he gives you.

We all make mistakes every day - " To err is human".
From the sounds of it, the store did not make any mistake. They approached the external contractor and told him to calm down with the searching of the bags.

The area manager will probably sympathise with your experience, and tell you to redirect your complaint to the security company. They will probably also tell you that they have passed on their concerns about this individual contractor to his employer, and maybe throw in a €50 for good measure.

foxinsox

From my reading of the OPs post:

I read it that the security guard was in the store mentioned..

and ran outside after them..


Most security are external contactors (but operate within a store), but they are operating on behalf of the store.

Unless I missed something, I'm open to correction.

Latchy

How many times in a supermarket or store has somebody walked out the door only for the security 'Beep' to go off because an incompetant sales assistant forgot to take the security tag off ?

It's quite a regular thing to happen and it's alright saying that sometimes you dont need a tag on the item for the beep to go off and when this happens , the innocent person will freeze on he spot until the security guard gives them the all clear but still very annoying .

Friend of mine recently bought a pair of headphones and paid in store with credit card however on leaving the store the 'Beep' went off and an agressive female floor walker demanded to see her reciept when in fact it was the stupid unremoved security tag that set the beep off .

P. Breathnach

montane wrote: »

The security man just asked you to come back into the store. He didn't accuse you of stealing. You obeyed all his requests without question. If he told you to jump off a bridge, would you have without question.

Now had he restrained either of you, or called you a thief, it would be a very different matter.

Dont be so sensitive, and next time just keep on walking.

That looks like bad advice to me.

The initial confrontation happened in a public place, and I gather that it happened in the presence of an acquaintance. The search of the bags seems to have been conducted in a place where other shoppers could see what was happening.

Were I to be a witness to either event, my first thought would be "Oh-oh: people caught shoplifting". And that's the issue: the agent of the shop, by his way of doing things, sent out a signal about the poster and her husband. That probably amounts to defamation.

The shop manager's effort to distance himself from the event is pathetic, but telling. The phone call from the area manager indicates that he knows they have a real problem.

I am not a vengeful person, and not into the compensation culture so beloved by some people. But no way would I settle for an apology and a €50 voucher. I suspect that the area manager is thinking "this could cost thousands" -- and, in my opinion, it should.

Unless your reputations are of no value.

The Muppet

montane wrote: »

We all make mistakes every day - " To err is human".
From the sounds of it, the store did not make any mistake. They approached the external contractor and told him to calm down with the searching of the bags.

The area manager will probably sympathise with your experience, and tell you to redirect your complaint to the security company. They will probably also tell you that they have passed on their concerns about this individual contractor to his employer, and maybe throw in a €50 for good measure.

The store made huge mistake by searching the customer in Public and not finding any stolen items.

The area manager knows this, the follow up call was a damage limitation excercise.

I'm not big into suing people either but that's totally unaccepatble and the store should be held accountable for it.

montane

P. Breathnach wrote: »

That looks like bad advice to me.

The initial confrontation happened in a public place, and I gather that it happened in the presence of an acquaintance. The search of the bags seems to have been conducted in a place where other shoppers could see what was happening.

Were I to be a witness to either event, my first thought would be "Oh-oh: people caught shoplifting". And that's the issue: the agent of the shop, by his way of doing things, sent out a signal about the poster and her husband. That probably amounts to defamation.

The shop manager's effort to distance himself from the event is pathetic, but telling. The phone call from the area manager indicates that he knows they have a real problem.

I am not a vengeful person, and not into the compensation culture so beloved by some people. But no way would I settle for an apology and a €50 voucher. I suspect that the area manager is thinking "this could cost thousands" -- and, in my opinion, it should.

Unless your reputations are of no value.

Shame that you are so judgemental. The area managers phone call is just a good manager doing his job after a failure in good customer care by a sub-contractor. It's not an admission of liability or "pathetic".

I have walked out of shops before and set the alarm off due to goods not being adequately detagged. I continue walking and don't bat an eye-lid, why should I. A failure in technology with an alarm sounding does not make me a thief, nor does it make think I can sue the shop because of "a signal being sent about me".

The only real shame in this thread apart from everyones obsession with litigation is that the woman displayed such obsequence to an ill-informed security guard, and did not know or assert her rights.

dubmando

Hi, just to clarify, the buzzers did not go off when we left the store. The security man did not ask politely could we return to store, but told us "We had to return to get bags searched, we had left the store with items not paid for"" I am quoting as spoken. Yes, we could have carried on walking and ignored him, but honestly, as someone who had not stolen anything in this store or any other store in my life, I do not know why you would ignore or run away from a person employed directly or indirectly by a store unless you had stolen something? why someone that is totally innocent of any wrongdoing or would not have any practical knowledge of their rights as a consumer falsely accused in front of a shop full and area full of people, in this respect would not do as I did (albeit not as meekly) and return to the store to demonstrate they had done nothing wrong is not something I will question myself on. I do think however it is very easy to say " I would do things different when you have not had this experience.

montane

I always wondered about how http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strip_search_prank_call_scam could happen, or the mentality of people in the Milgram experiment - people following directions without question or thinking.

This gives me a little insight.

dubmando

I have walked out of shops before and set the alarm off due to goods not being adequately detagged. I continue walking and don't bat an eye-lid, why should I. A failure in technology with an alarm sounding does not make me a thief, nor does it make think I can sue the shop because of "a signal being sent about me".

The only real shame in this thread apart from everyones obsession with litigation is that the woman displayed such obsequence to an ill-informed security guard, and did not know or assert her rights.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for your opinion in this matter, You are right, the security man was ill informed, and poorly trained, having read your tread I have actually spoken to a family member who was a solicitor, and he has informed me in his opinion (Which is an opinion with 33 years of practise in law) the store, or its insurers along with the security mans employers if he is in fact "leased" are responsible for the actions taken by the security man. Now, for the record, litigation is the last thing on my mind at present. But maybe people are forced into litigation as a last resort to asserting their rights. Also as alarms did not sound when we left the store, the signal that was sent out about me came from the actions of the security man employed to work in the store, not by my actions, as a customer who does not steal and has no training in law or the charters of consumers rights, would have no reason not to display obsequence when confronted in such a public arena.

montane

dubmando wrote: »

I have walked out of shops before and set the alarm off due to goods not being adequately detagged. I continue walking and don't bat an eye-lid, why should I. A failure in technology with an alarm sounding does not make me a thief, nor does it make think I can sue the shop because of "a signal being sent about me".

The only real shame in this thread apart from everyones obsession with litigation is that the woman displayed such obsequence to an ill-informed security guard, and did not know or assert her rights.

Thank you for your opinion in this matter, You are right, the security man was ill informed, and poorly trained, having read your tread I have actually spoken to a family member who was a solicitor, and he has informed me in his opinion (Which is an opinion with 33 years of practise in law) the store, or its insurers along with the security mans employers if he is in fact "leased" are responsible for the actions taken by the security man. Now, for the record, litigation is the last thing on my mind at present. But maybe people are forced into litigation as a last resort to asserting their rights. Also as alarms did not sound when we left the store, the signal that was sent out about me came from the actions of the security man employed to work in the store, not by my actions, as a customer who does not steal and has no training in law or the charters of consumers rights, would have no reason not to display obsequence when confronted in such a public arena.[/QUOTE]

Litigation is the last thing on your mind yet the majority of your post is about a consultation with a solicitor and legal reasoning behind your case for action against the security guard/store. Good luck with your case, I just hope people realise what retailers have to deal with the next time they are complaining about "rip-off" prices in stores, etc. That is all. :cool:

antoinolachtnai

Your particular problem is that your acquaintance saw all this happen. Someone you know has gone home after seeing that, and must have at least some doubt in their mind now about your good character. This is a real problem, not just a hypothetical one and the reason why you need to take professional advice.

dubmando

montane wrote: »

I always wondered about how http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strip_search_prank_call_scam could happen, or the mentality of people in the Milgram experiment - people following directions without question or thinking.

This gives me a little insight.

This I believe is also a form of hegemony, and unfortunately happens quite a lot in our society. Particularly when we have people who feel they are superior in intellect,class or society as some groups in Ireland do. (Adlerian Definition) gives me some insight,but I fear we are wandering into other topics now.

P. Breathnach

montane wrote: »

Shame that you are so judgemental....

This thread is not about me. Leave out the personal stuff.

sesna

P. Breathnach wrote: »

This thread is not about me. Leave out the personal stuff.

You did state " My first thought would be oh-oh: people caught shoplifting".

IsThisIt???

I used to work in a supermarket drapery section and at the start you go through a (horrifically boring) days training.
The security bit was almost completely based on how to deal with a situation such as above. Basically what you described was everything we were told not to do as even if you were positive you seen someone place an item in a bag, under there coat or wherever, they could have easily taken it out in the mean time.
Even if the security man didn't accuse you of shoplifting it is clear from his actions that that was what he implied. This is fairly rare these days as most places are very aware of what can happen i.e getting sued. Not saying that's a route worth taking but i'm sure you can expect a groveling apology and a nice gift to make up for it and save the shop from any bad press.

Ken.

Op, I hope you got the name of the garda you talked to cause she could state that the security guard admitted he was wrong( if you decide to pursue it and the store deny anything).

P. Breathnach

sesna wrote: »

You did state " My first thought would be oh-oh: people caught shoplifting".

As I said, this thread is not about me.

sesna

P. Breathnach wrote: »

As I said, this thread is not about me.

I dont think anyone is saying that it is..

The Muppet

montane wrote: »

Litigation is the last thing on your mind yet the majority of your post is about a consultation with a solicitor and legal reasoning behind your case for action against the security guard/store. Good luck with your case, I just hope people realise what retailers have to deal with the next time they are complaining about "rip-off" prices in stores, etc. That is all. :cool:

I'm afraid retailers have to act under the same laws as the rest of us, defamation is a serious crime, Prices are irrelevant.

It's the public nature of the actions that are most damaging, The search should have happened in private. I'm sure you wouldn't like your character damaged in such a manner.

dubmando

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

Your particular problem is that your acquaintance saw all this happen. Someone you know has gone home after seeing that, and must have at least some doubt in their mind now about your good character. This is a real problem, not just a hypothetical one and the reason why you need to take professional advice.

To clarify, my acquaintance did not just see this happen, he was included in this "search" and obviously the security man felt both, or one or the other of us had stolen. I have had professional advice, and am awaiting the actions of the management of the store before We make any decisions. A voucher of any description is of no value to me and would make no difference in my life. What I would take on board, is the managements structure to staff training. What todays events should emphasize to any management is the importance of good customer service to the success of a business. Particularly in the economic climate which exists at present.

montane

The Muppet wrote: »

I'm afraid retailers have to act under the same laws as the rest of us, defamation is a serious crime, Prices are irrelevant.

It's the public nature of the actions that are most damaging, The search should have happened in private. I'm sure you wouldn't like your character damaged in such a manner.

Yes, I'm sure the security guards company should have realised this. Clever by the retailer not directly hiring security.

Prices are irrelevant, I dont agree. I merely said that people should bear this in mind next time they are talking about rip-off costs.

montane

dubmando wrote: »

To clarify, my acquaintance did not just see this happen, he was included in this "search" and obviously the security man felt both, or one or the other of us had stolen. I have had professional advice, and am awaiting the actions of the management of the store before We make any decisions. A voucher of any description is of no value to me and would make no difference in my life. What I would take on board, is the managements structure to staff training. What todays events should emphasize to any management is the importance of good customer service to the success of a business. Particularly in the economic climate which exists at present.

Let me translate and dispense with all the bull$hit - "I'm interested in making a quick buck over a minor inconvenience". And best of luck to you, the system is at fault.

The Muppet

montane wrote: »

Let me translate and dispense with all the bull$hit - "I'm interested in making a quick buck over a minor inconvenience". And best of luck to you, the system is at fault.

Minor Inconvienence, are you for real.

It could be all over her town that she was caught shoplifting, what's minor about that.

montane

The Muppet wrote: »

Minor Inconvienence, are you for real.

It could be all over her town that she was caught shoplifting, what's minor about that.

What are you talking about, she wasn't shop lifting, no-one said she was. I suppose in your eyes the next time I walk through a metal detector in the airport, I am planning to blow up a plane.

Hitchhiker's Guide to...

montane - please calm down with your posting.

OP is perfectly entitled to consult solicitor and if her and her solicitor decide that her rights were impeded by the store then she is also perfectly entitled to take the matter further. You seem to be trying to make the OP out to be somehow wrong for wanting to pursue her legal rights.

Also the thread should be about the issues, not attacking the poster and accusing her of 'trying to make a quick buck'

Latchy

montane wrote: »

Let me translate and dispense with all the bull$hit - "I'm interested in making a quick buck over a minor inconvenience". And best of luck to you, the system is at fault.

Bull.**** post

montane

Latchy wrote: »

Bull.**** post

Yeah I know it was, I just called it as it was.

Hitchhiker's Guide to...

montane wrote: »

Yeah I know it was, I just called it as it was.

Just had a look back at what you posted before editing that previous post about making a quick buck. Think it would be best if you just took a break from the thread for now.

The Muppet

montane wrote: »

What are you talking about, she wasn't shop lifting, no-one said she was. I suppose the next time I walk through a metal detector in the airport, I am planning to blow up a plane.

Listen we're not discussing setting off detectors in the wrong, it's alot more serious a situation that that and well you know it.


When I was a kid a neighbour of mine was accused of shoplifting, to this day when I see her thats the first though that comes to mind and that was over 30 years ago.

The OP does't know who saw her being searched. Those that did are unlikely to have hung around to see the outcome and chances are it's already out there in the public domain that she was caugh shoplifting.

IMO the only way for the op to undo the potential damage done to her reputation is to go the legal route.

I'm not into litigation myself but in this instance there is no other satisfactory solution imo.

Latchy

montane wrote: »

Yeah I know it was, I just called it as it was.

Dude ...it's you're post that's Bull... ...ah forget it

foggy_lad

The Muppet wrote: »

I'm afraid retailers have to act under the same laws as the rest of us, defamation is a serious crime, Prices are irrelevant.

It's the public nature of the actions that are most damaging, The search should have happened in private. I'm sure you wouldn't like your character damaged in such a manner.

The search should not have been done by any store staff or security guard but only by a Garda and in the op's case a Ban Garda.

Also didn't the op mention that their purchases were emptied out onto the floor by this security guard as he searched for the supposed stolen item(s)? This kind of aggressive behaviour has no place in any store no matter how much they lose to shoplifters.

January

montane wrote: »

Yeah I know it was, I just called it as it was.

Truth being you have no idea about the shame you feel when someone accuses you of something you haven't done. This is not just "ah sure the security tag set something off she should have just kept walking", this girl was accused in public of being a shop lifter, her employer could have been in the store at the time, imagine seeing your employee being escorted back into a store and searched like that, you already form judgements in your mind, everyone does it, whether they like it or not.

The PSA (Private Security Authority) teach this stuff in their training courses and every security guard is required to have a licence or have applied for a licence before they can operate in a store, I'd be making sure this chap has a licence OP. If he was not 100% sure of your actions then he should NOT have stopped you. You could have done something as innocently as picking up an item, carrying it around with you for a while, deciding you didn't want it and put it back on a shelf and that's why he thought you shop lifted, but if there was doubt there he should not have stopped you.

The area manager knows this and will try and sweeten the deal by offering you vouchers etc

dudara

This is not a Consumer Issue.

Moved to Legal Discussion

dudara

Zambia

That security guard is an idiot.

His company is at fault for hiring him.

The store is at fault for hiring them.

Seriously sue them all.

get over it imo.

Security guard makes a mistake, he didn't ask you back in for ****s and giggles, he was trying to do his job. I understand that he went about this the wrong way, as did the Manager who corrects him, apologises to you and probably disciplined the security guard afterwards.

Life's too short.

MagicSean

I don't really see what you can sue them for here. They will most likely give you a voucher or something to apologise. You should follow up with a letter of complaint to their head office and the PSA.

antocann

this , is kinda the same as what happend to me and my brother in spar ,

we were buying several items , had 2 of 1 item so put it back ,

paid and was almost home , then a guy that works there pulls up screeming and swearing at us saying we stole it ,

told him we put it back as we were'nt purchasing it , and he proceeded swearing and name calling and woud'nt stop saying "why the fcuk would you put it back "


then he proceeded to follow us name calling and swearing out his car window ,

Milk & Honey

k_mac wrote: »

I don't really see what you can sue them for here.

False imprisonment, defamation, trespass to goods and slander of title to goods would be a start.

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey wrote: »

False imprisonment, defamation, trespass to goods and slander of title to goods would be a start.

False Imprisonment? They were requested to re-enter the shop and did so. Nothing imprisoning about that.

Defamation? It wasn't posted in any paper, or broadcast on the Six one news

This isn't America, I hate this "letter of the law" BS.