Accused of shoplifting in one of supermarkets when actually paid for everything.

DreamsComeTrue_2

Hi, I can do with some advice. I was accused of shoplifting and taken aside by security guard on 17th March in one of big chain supermarkets. Was completely lost at the time when it was happening as I do not do shoplifting. They had to let me go after some checking of receipt, talking to cashier, involving some floor staff. I have complained since to the local branch in writing (sent by recorde mail) and was in touch with headquarters in Bradford. Never heard back from local branch, my husband phoned the branch twice chasing complaint, the manager was not there, no logging details on their complaint file of my complaint. Received a one line letter and a £10 voucher from head office as an apology for ''incovenience''. I think it is just a joke. What do I do next? As the local branch does not seem to be going to respond to complaint. I am going to return the £10 to head office saying it is unacceptable. Any other suggestions what can be done in this situation? It was a humiliating experience which was handled badly by supermarket's staff.

sjbrun

What response from them would you see as acceptable?

These things happen and the staff need to protect their stock, maybe the way they have approached it has been wrong but what would you want them to do? You could shop elsewhere if your not happy?

It has happened to me before I just accepted the apology and moved on.

gary_d_a

hq in Bradford? fairly obvious who it is.

I would take the money and go elsewhere, they will lose more in the lost business over the years.

arcon5

You can make a complaint to them (done)
You can make a complaint to TS (assuming you have a valid complaint, but still they are unlikely to do anything further)

Otherwise what rights do you want?

If you don't get a satisfactory response then vote with your feet.

You can send the voucher back if you want, but don't expect anything more from them so you just shooting yourself in the foot really

hartcjhart

DreamsComeTrue wrote: »

Hi, I can do with some advice. I was accused of shoplifting and taken aside by security guard on 17th March in one of big chain supermarkets. Was completely lost at the time when it was happening as I do not do shoplifting. They had to let me go after some checking of receipt, talking to cashier, involving some floor staff. I have complained since to the local branch in writing (sent by recorde mail) and was in touch with headquarters in Bradford. Never heard back from local branch, my husband phoned the branch twice chasing complaint, the manager was not there, no logging details on their complaint file of my complaint. Received a one line letter and a £10 voucher from head office as an apology for ''incovenience''. I think it is just a joke. What do I do next? As the local branch does not seem to be going to respond to complaint. I am going to return the £10 to head office saying it is unacceptable. Any other suggestions what can be done in this situation? It was a humiliating experience which was handled badly by supermarket's staff.

so do I, did they strip search you or march you through the town with a sign around your neck??

mistakes happen,get over it, but I doubt you will, compo compo compo

suited-aces

Do you want a grovelling apology from the store for your treatment? If so fair enough, and I admire you refusing the £10 voucher on principal.

Or do you just want a bigger voucher?
1

Lifeforms

It happened to me recently. I bought a sausage roll, and drink, and ate them as I went around. Was ill, needed to eat, and they had no area outside, or cafe inside)

I guess they saw me putting my rubbish in my bag, and followed me around the store via cctv until I went to check out. They obviously would've asked the cashier if I paid, and she said no (the truth, because I already bought it)
Upon leaving the security guard stopped me, and asked for my receipt. As I went digging in my purse for the trolley receipt, i gave him the one for the food, and he said that was ok. They'd had a report that I'd not paid for it.

Was I traumatised? nope.
Did I immediately do the "how dare you think I stole this; I want my lawyer"? Have a hissy fit, so you are (forcibly, as there is grounds for suspicion) moved to the back store area to sort it out. Nope
Did I think I needed "compensation" for the 30 second inconvenience of proving I had actually paid for something: Nope. I don't even think I needed an apology. They had grounds, it was their job.

Trouble is, they're doing their job. You either paid for it, or not. If you did, shut up, don't have a fit, produce the receipt and you get to go in 30 seconds or so.
If you react in such an indignant way where by they feel you have to be moved for safety, or just to keep the store front area peaceful, then it will take you far far longer, and usually in a forced way. You only lose in that situation, you don't deserve anything for bringing that upon yourself.

I would imagine they said sorry in their letter, and you're going to send back £10 goodwill voucher because you want more I assume? You're having a laugh there. They stop loads of people to ask about receipts and it's small minority who react poorly.
It's life, be grateful that they're proactive in stopping shop lifters!

[Deleted User]

Or how about going to the same store again and picking up some goods from the fish counter. A few minutes later you decide that you don't want the fish, by which time you are in the aisle that sells microwaves. Not having time to return it to a refrigerated section, you place it in one of the microwaves (or behind a roll of toilet tissue) :rotfl:. Of course I wouldn't want to suggest that anybody would REALLY do something like that ...

DreamsComeTrue_2

I have just read your responses. Did not think it is such a big expectation to receive an apology from the branch where it happened. Glad that some people would not be traumatised about the experience. But not everybody has got a thick skin. Our family definitely not shopping there any more for food or petrol. Will send the voucher back as I do not need it.

Valli

If you don't want the voucher why not pass it on to a charity locally then someone CAN benefit from it?

Can understand your wanting an apology though - very embarrassing to be pulled aside in front of other shoppers.

missile

OP, I can understand why you were embarrased and upset. You have my sympathy.