Looked upon as a Thief in M&S today

bonvonnie

Mr_Proctalgia wrote:

As for being followed it isn't actually illegal, but is done to make you uncomfortable and get you out of the shop.

well, i thought that if i'd darted straight out to shop, he'd have probably stopped me, so i carried on to wander around, esp as I still had to meet up with my Mum, hence me going in the lift.

Altarf

Mr_Proctalgia wrote:

If you are accused of shoplifing (and are innocent) insist the security guard arrests you, refuse to leave the shop too, insist they call the police, stay put until this is done (or call them yourself).

Excellent advice. Do not under any circumstances voluntarily accompany the security guard anywhere.

Mr_Proctalgia wrote:

Anyone can make a citizens arrest, but it must be proportional to the alleged offence, also we were instructed not to collar anyone who managed to slip out of your sight even for a second. But if arrested it has to be correct, so get the police involved. Then have them for wrongful arrest and shout about compensation.

As you say anyone can arrest someone (a citizens arrest), but for it to be legal the person arrested MUST subsequently be convicted of that offence. Only the police can arrest someone on the suspicion that they have committed an offence, without making a wrongful arrest if it transpires no offence was actualy committed.

I would advise anyone to stay put on the shop floor where you will be in full view of the CCTV and other witnesses in case of any dispute about what has happened, until the police arrive and let them deal with any searchs.

IvanOpinion

Its weird ... you can actually see the paranoia being fed and growing on this thread. Its easy to avoid store detectives and security guards going about their business .. do your shopping on the internet. Just be careful of getting involved in cyber-shop-lifting though by using all those dodgy vouchers and discount codes that you have no authority to use ... or they might come knocking on your door

Ivan

Hereford_Wolf

Sorry to sound harsh but, er....nothing happened !
I don't understand the complaint.

digp

write to the CEO ---- of M&S and tell him he employs morons and don;t ever shop there again

Teerah

digp wrote:

write to the CEO ---- of M&S and tell him he employs morons and don;t ever shop there again

Are you being serious?????? :rolleyes:

lush_walrus

digp wrote:

write to the CEO ---- of M&S and tell him he employs morons and don;t ever shop there again

WHAT! Why try to get someone sacked for carrying out their job!!!! Very weird advice, I can understand how the OP is upset about it as it is an uncomfortable feeling, but its a necessary evil really and part of shopping. Although the OP did nothing wrong, lots of people do and if security guards don't follow up their suspicions then more and more people will steal from shops and ultimately prices will go up to cover the costs. Simple really, the only thing I would say to the OP is maybe try not to put things in the pushchair, Ive seen on TV methods like this used by shoplifters, probably that was what aroused suspicion.

I know its really awkward with pushchairs etc to carry, but if it stops people suspecting you, then it might be worth finding another way.

What do other people do with their shopping when they have a pushchair, anyone with some good advice?

daveboy

I can't see the problem here, just an overly anxious MSE'er.

I am 24, male, and sometimes, when I feel I'm being watched, actively make shops think I'm a thief by behaving unusually.

I'm yet to be stopped, but I can't wait for when I am and I make a show of them in front of other customers.

Zziggi

lush_walrus wrote:

What do other people do with their shopping when they have a pushchair, anyone with some good advice?

Well to be honest i stick the goods on the hood. I do this because i can't manage a basket in my hand as i need 2 hands to push the buggy. I might try to put the basket on the hood but it tends to be a hazzad so i put the goods on the hood without a basket. I suppose it could look suspicious but what do you do when you are shopping on your own with a buggy? When i get to the checkout i double check the hood to make sure i have put everything on the counter and pay for them. If i got followed round the store, so what? I know i am not doing anything wrong, anyway they can't stop me until i've made no attempt to pay. it might make you feel uncomfortable being followed but as a parent you develop a thicker skin. Just think about all those posh middle aged women who tut when your 2 yr old has a tantrum - busy mums just develop a thick skin! If i ever did get stopped by a security guard when i had not done anything wrong then i'd just let him citizen arrest me, call the police and then straight to a solicitor for compensation.

A couple of years ago i remember an incident - in M&S as it happens. A good friend of mine (who is Nigerian) and lives in a predominantly white posh area was in M&S buying quite a number of clothes and had a basket full. While she was still browsing the security guard went up to her and asked her if she had enough money to pay for all her items. Her response was, wait until i get to the checkouts and then you'll find out! and then she walked off and carried on her shopping as if nothing had happened. I thought that was a great response and told my friend so. Sadly she told me it happens all the time to her in M&S and other posh-ish shops.

trickytrolleys

I occaionally get followed and I like it too - I always say things like "im going overthere next if you're coming" - and wander round endlessly just to wind them up!