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Child Item

Security Guard Following me

needsanswers

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.

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faceman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122984351#Comment_122984351

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

needsanswers

😂😂 thanks

needsanswers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122984381#Comment_122984381

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 :)

John_Rambo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122984381#Comment_122984381

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

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.

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.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058385351/security-guard-following-me

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.

needsanswers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122983690#Comment_122983690

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 :)

needsanswers

😂😂 thank you

needsanswers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122983208#Comment_122983208

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

gameoverdude

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122982767#Comment_122982767

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

needsanswers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122983147#Comment_122983147

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

needsanswers

Yes, it's the same security guard

needsanswers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122982829#Comment_122982829

Yes, I understand too. "Dodgier people" 😂

needsanswers

Yes, it is the same security guard.

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 👍🏼

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.)

Ash.J.Williams

Didn't happen

csirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122983429#Comment_122983429

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.

BorneTobyWilde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122983175#Comment_122983175

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

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.

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...

Fann Linn

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

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.

exiledawaynothere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122983175#Comment_122983175

For multiple reasons not a good idea.

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.

[Deleted User]

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058385351/security-guard-following-me

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/

Pauliedragon

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

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?

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.