Tesco above the law?

hollydays

Allanirish wrote: »

It was her request to see what happened as she still cant accept that she let her bag out of her sight for more than a second, she has always been that way. I think the police offer victim support counselling and I am aware they give the victims here all necessary contacts to get this help. That is the main issue and I do agree with this. Her well being is the most important, but it was herself who was so disgusted with this stores rude and ignorant behaviour after the event, which is why I took it further in order to give her peace that something was going right for her.

I think elderly people in this situation often want to prove they are not "stupid" .After the event people will often say stuff like -"you need to be more careful," but your Mum needs to realise these people are very good at what they do,and it is no reflection on her what happened-it happens to lots of people a lot younger too.Your Mum was not harmed physically,thankfully,and-a handbag etc can be replaced.

mookie

I worked in a bank for a long time, and saw several people who were the victims of this crime, having their bags or purses stolen whilst shopping in clothes shops and more frequently food stores. Carrying a basket or pushing a trolley can affect how much control you have over your bag I find it difficult to keep my handbag on my shoulder when I'm pushing a trolley.

The most common circumstances in these thefts were the victim claiming a 'friendly' member of the public asking them a question, ie. excuse me do you know where they keep the xxxxx or making general chit chat sometimes the victim believed this was a staff member, whilst this conversation is taking place their accomplice is helping themselves to the victims purse/bag. The victim was totally unaware at the time but when thinking back they realise this was the most likely opportunity, whilst they are talking they are distracted and despite usually being careful its surprising how easy this crime can take place. There were gangs who operated in the town I was working in and as far as I know this is still a common activity. They also target a lot of women with pushchairs who too are easily distracted. This could be a totally different situation to what your mum had happen but I thought I'd mention it as it happens a lot, it may be too late for your mum to recall if a person spoke to her briefly but worth keeping in mind to be alert in future.

There is something that you can do, buy her a small cheap waist/bumbag, she can keep her possessions a lot closer purse with notes and cards in, passport etc, she can wear it under her top or jacket and then have her handbag with less valuable items and a purse with small change in this way her valuables are not easily accessible, a few elderly customers in our bank did this and felt a lot safer.

I agree Tesco should have offered her a seat and water (we always made a cup of tea or coffee) until the Police arrived and they should have showed compassion as this can cause a lot of upset and really knock a persons confidence to go out alone, I hope your mum recovers from this incident, and maybe take on the idea of a body worn bag.