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Security Guard Following me

  • 22-12-2024 1:13pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24


    I would just like some info. First of all, I've never stolen anything, must just look suspicious. In my local large supermarket there is security guard who follows me each time, he will obviously mark me - standing beside me in his hi-vis pretending to pretend to browse. I have caught him signalling to other security guards to watch out for me. It leaves me feeling not good. Today I decided to bring it to the attention of the store manager who gaslit me, saying he doesn't work for them, he works for OCS and mans the car park and other aspects of the shopping centre - but yesterday this guy was in the store, standing beside me in the isle. OCS, I find out later OCS are contracted by Tesco to do security work, so store manager has completely lied.

    So my questions are what can I do to get them to stop? Is there any legal route? Do I have any legal protections? It's horrible to feel suspected of something and then to be stalked around the store.

    Its the only large supermarket in my area, so I would have to shop in another town if I chose to not go there again.

    Also, would anyone know if it's store policy to deny an undercover security officer operates in the store?

    Thank you.



«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,020 ✭✭✭Buddy Bubs


    He's not undercover if he has hi-viz surely?

    Store manager didn't really lie to you, OCS are probably contracted by Tesco head office and not by the store, but their remit covers the store and the shopping centre so the manager likely has no control over him.

    You'll just have to talk to the security guy and find out what's going on, why he has flagged you etc. Or whether you're overthinking. He may not divulge much though so tricky spot to be in.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,083 ✭✭✭extra-ordinary_


    Is it always the same security guard?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 146 ✭✭Alonzo Mosley


    Whilst I sympatise with you OP and understand you are upset….. but why do you have to resort to discussing this on an internet forum? What happened to the good old days where you simply approached the guard and asked him to explain himself. You likewise tell him you are simply in the shop to shop !!!!

    A bit of common sense goes a long way in this day and age.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,618 ✭✭✭JeffKenna


    Id say something to the security guard. Even in a friendly manner, ask how they're day is going and mention that they might have you confused with someone else if the security guard is gesturing at other guards to follow you.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,386 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    He's gotta follow someone that's the job.

    Go shopping at a different time, when there are even dodgier looking people than you in the shop.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,104 ✭✭✭✭Calahonda52


    I have caught him signalling to other security guards to watch out for me.

    HTF did you deduce this?

    What skin colour is the OCS employee?

    Are you female?

    “I can’t pay my staff or mortgage with instagram likes”.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,352 ✭✭✭Pauliedragon


    Honestly OP I would take my business elsewhere. Management obviously don't care so I would move on.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 578 ✭✭✭Dr Karl


    All security should have their ID displayed with their Private Security Authority (PSA) registration number. Next time you are there go to the help desk and ask for the manager and ask him to get the security guard(s) registration number(s) or ask someone to go with you and ask the security guard yourself. If they refuse you can add that to a complaint to the PSA. They run ad on the radio and from those it seems in your case Tesco is ultimately responsible for their security even if it is outsourced.

    You can also make a Data Access Request to Tesco for any data including CCTV or other data eg notes or images they have about you, you may need to give them a time and date for the CCTV. They legally should only keep CCTV for a month. Write a letter FAO The Data Protection Officer, Tesco (Tesco are the data controller and the security company the data processor, as such Tesco is responsible for all the data collected and processed) and give it to the manager, and then follow up with an email to their Irish HQ in Dun Laoghaire and cc their UK HQ, tell them you feel intimidated. I have seen where the Irish branch doesn't take their GDPR requirements seriously, but once the UK branch is contacted the one here soon gets to work on their legal obligations. If you are not happy contact the Data Protection Commissions Office.

    You may also want to contact your local FLAC office, they might be able to give you legal advice.

    You could also contact your local radio station or Lunchtime Live on Newstalk or Liveline on RTE.

    You are paying for these through your taxes so you may as well make use of them when needed.

    https://www.psa-gov.ie/contact-us/

    http://www.dataprotection.ie/en/individuals

    https://www.flac.ie/

    Post edited by Dr Karl on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,696 ✭✭✭kowloonkev


    Record him every time. Start following him around. Post videos on YouTube of your shopping experience with the name of the shop and location.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 248 ✭✭exiledawaynothere


    Post edited by exiledawaynothere on


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 brigid.coates


    Very wise idea not to approach the security guard alone but to get a manager involved if only as a witness. Maybe you look like somebody dodgy that this man has run into before. Someone suggested talking your business elsewhere but you probably like shopping there and it's your right to do so. I would feel annoyed if this person has voiced his apparent concerns to other staff members, but you cannot be sure about that. Sometimes these matters can escalate in your head if you begin overthinking. Nothing at all wrong with approaching him politely with a store manager in tow if the latter will agree to that.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,948 ✭✭✭Fann Linn


    Just shop elsewhere. Why pay good money to a store which believes you to be a thief?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,429 ✭✭✭✭Dial Hard


    Why do people immediately go to Defcon 3 with their inane suggestions on these threads???

    OP, the next time it happens, calmly and politely ask him "Can I help you?" and take it from there.

    Although I have to say, I too am wondering how a security guard in high viz (and a uniform, presumably) can also be undercover...



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 970 ✭✭✭whatawaster81


    I had this in Boots one time, when I got to the till I was informed to use a basket and I had filled up a keep bag. Lesson learned.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,099 ✭✭✭✭BorneTobyWilde


    Private property, not public, not sure you can record in private property in ireland, only in public places and buildings



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 767 ✭✭✭csirl


    Dont think filming and posting on youtube is the answer, but theres no law prohibiting filming on private property.

    Approach him and ask for his name and registration number. Tell him that he's being acting creepy. If he says hes a security guard, tell him you've already spoken to the Store Manager who's confirmed that he has no contract with OCS for security services.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,693 ✭✭✭✭Ash.J.Williams


    Didn't happen



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,386 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    A few suggestions given here will quickly see you get barred from that particular shop. Yes, it can and does happen.

    If you think you are being sexually harassed, or ethnically targeted, then tell that to the Store Manager: S/he is responsible for the customer experience in-store.

    But I'd guess it's more likely that you either looks like a known problem "customer", or are behaving in ways that attract suspicion.

    Do you use a trolley, and put your bag in it? (Do use the trolley. Don't put the bag in. Don't put anything into own-bags until the other side of the checkout.)



  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 4,547 Mod ✭✭✭✭TherapyBoy


    He’s probably not watching you, he’s actually watching the other shifty-looking shopper in the next aisle.
    If you want to be sure, shoplift something next time you’re in there & see if they nab you when you’re making your getaway 👍🏼



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    Yes, it is the same security guard.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    Yes, it's the same security guard



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    I really appreciate all the helpful information you have detailed above. I will research these points further - thank you so much.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,772 ✭✭✭gameoverdude


    Nah. I'd just ask them if they want a piggy back or something.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    Thank you - very measured and logical advice - appreciated :)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    😂😂 thank you



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    Don't use a metal trolley - l the black pull around basket/trolley. Don't think I behave any different to average shopper. No, not sexually harassed or ethnically targeted, genuinely feel he suspects me of being a shoplifter. He will stand beside me on an empty aisle and pretend to browse. He will shamelessly eyeball (not sexual), and stalk me around the aisles not hiding - letting me know he can see me. I have brushed it off and ignored it the last dozen times I've been in there, but today I complained to the manager. It's an uncomfortable experience when I have never stolen anything or associate with shop lifters. He has no reason to suspect me of anything - as I said must just look dodgy ;) but thanks for the advice re shopping. And I will put my complaint in writing to the store manager. Thank you :)



  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 10,685 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jim2007


    Well if you make a nuisance out of yourself, the problem may resolve itself in that they refuse to serve you in future! If you want to continue shopping there then just ignore them and go about your business or just go shop somewhere instead.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,696 ✭✭✭kowloonkev


    I would be messing with him for sure. Buy something small in another shop and put it into your jacket pocket. When he is following you around you can remove it and put it back in your pocket. See if he tries to get you.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,435 ✭✭✭positron


    I've experienced this a few times. I must look dodgy to some security guys (based on their experience) because I am brown (Indian) and they might have had bad experiences with people who look like me or have same skin colour. It is racial profiling, no two ways about it.

    One time it was when I had my parents with me in Dunnes Stores, and my mother was wearing a beautiful elegant south Indian sari garment, and this security guy was like he's following an armed terrorist and about to tackle us all. My dad is a highly decorated ex-army officer, and his pension in India alone is many times higher than that of the security guy's average income, never mind my own higher income, but none of that matters when you have a xenophobic guy with a hammer seeing nails everywhere.

    I just don't go to that shop anymore.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,178 ✭✭✭✭John_Rambo


    I’ve seen Irish people mistake Indian women in sari’s for Roma people. 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    Sorry to hear that :( the feeling you're suspected of something is awful. Hope you're Mam and Dad didn't notice, you'd hate for them to be made feel bad - our of nowhere for nothing. Anyway sounds like you're doing great - so good on you :)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    😂😂 thanks



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 16,661 CMod ✭✭✭✭faceman


    This is the dumbest advice I've read all year.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,772 ✭✭✭gameoverdude




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,390 ✭✭✭ZX7R


    Do you use self checkouts all the time



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,287 ✭✭✭...Ghost...


    I had this before in Tesco once. I don't look like, or dress like a scummer and there was no reason for suspicion I was aware of. I was a security guard years ago for a while. The industry is full of wannabe Garda and lazy fcuks.

    I was in Tesco about 10 minutes and noticed I was being eye-balled and followed by one of the security guards. I had no basket, so maybe that was something which he found interesting. To make sure I wasn't being paranoid, I tracked back a few aisles and there he was again watching from the end of the aisle.

    I approached him and asked directly why he was trailing me. He said he wasn't. I said great, so I won't see you following me again, thanks. I didn't see him again…ever. Sometimes it takes only a few seconds to fix these things. OP, you need to approach the security guard and ask direct questions, being firm and polite. If he acts the thick, then you can follow the advice above regarding ID and GDPR. You've let it carry on and there is some reason you are being targeted repeatedly. Either deal with it, live with it, or shop elsewhere.

    Stay Free



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,743 ✭✭✭JVince


    ask him - in a jolly manner - "what makes me look dodgy that you follow me everytime I'm here"

    "Can you give me tips and what to wear so that I don't get your attention?"

    Make it light hearted, have a laugh, but also then ask seriously if there's a reason you feel like you are watched everytime you are there. It should break the ice and sort things out



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,696 ✭✭✭kowloonkev


    I won't be able to sleep tonight now that I haven't impressed faceman



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,909 ✭✭✭endofrainbow


    My way to handle it would be to politely ask him ' can I help you ?' that wayhe knows you know he suspects you of something. He'll either back down or explain himself.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 needsanswers


    Interesting to hear others with a similar experience - thanks for all that. I will deal with it :)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 767 ✭✭✭csirl


    Funny story.

    Ive a friend who has a strange sense of humour. He was once followed by a security guard. So he went back to the store with a couple of friends and some walkie talkies and they started 'stalking" the security guard in a very obvious way - pretending to hide behind shelves and talking very loudly on their walkie talkies about "the targets" movements. Security guard eventually lost his temper and started shouting at them to stop..... . They broke theur sides laughing as he made a show of himself on front of everyone.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,352 ✭✭✭Pauliedragon


    Did they steal the walkie talkies from another shop to conduct this elaborate prank



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 767 ✭✭✭csirl




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,474 ✭✭✭Oscar_Madison


    I’ve experienced the exact same in a Tesco and a Dunnes food shop - I’ve a feeling this is just what they “do”- they pick a customer and follow them around the store - it does actually feel creepy- not sure is someone speaking in their ear or do they just randomly pick a customer - I can’t be 100% I was followed but security guards in the two stores I’ve experienced this in have never done this kind of thing before - I reckon this is a new tactic and it’s obviously freaking out some customers



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,909 ✭✭✭endofrainbow




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,798 ✭✭✭Xterminator


    First up, a security guard following a customer around the shop is not 'doing something wrong'. There is no suggestion this is someone harassing for sexual or race/religion reasons. If they make a customer (you) uncomfortable, then speaking with the manager of tesco would seem a good route to go. Or politely asking the security guard, with a witness nearby.

    This could be something as simple as OP looks like someone who shoplifted in the past. Doesnt have to be a conspiracy, or require OP taking the nuclear option. Nor do they have to stop following you if you are a suspect. But you can ask them to justify their actions.

    @OP if you are uncomfortable you should address it. I suggest you may have a better chance of resolving this simply if you do it in person. Just politely ask why you are being followed and that you feel you are being singled out and feel uncomfortable. To either store manager or security guard. Which ever you prefer.

    They are often trainjed to look for customers who look nervous and are watching staff etc. As you are now nervous about being followed you may actually be displaying the very behaviour they are trained to look out for.

    If you dont want to do so in person go via the 'contact me' route and let tesco know your concerns. How do I make a complaint to Tesco Ireland?Visit tesco.ie, or call 1800 248 123 from Ireland, or 0080000225533 from outside Ireland.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,772 ✭✭✭gameoverdude


    What on earth? You look like someone who shop lifted in the past and make you feel uncomfortable whilst buying dinner?

    That's not on. I'd be unimpressed being followed by a security guard when doing my weekly shop. It's intimidating for some and don't they have camera's? It's useless. What can they actually do?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,386 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    Their very presence discourages people from shoplifting.



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