I have noticed that it is quite common when leaving a shop, for members of staff to ask to search the bags of customers. This happens routinely at JB Hi-fi shops, but I have also seen it at Woolworths, K-mart, and many others.

Although it seems to happen more to younger shoppers, I too have been asked on many occasions. In all cases the request has come when I have been leaving the shop without purchasing anything, but have been carrying a small rucksack on my back. Each time the staff member has been very polite, typically asking "do you mind if I do a quick bag check?".

In each case I have politely refused to allow the check, and carried on walking out of the shop. So far the shop assistant has allowed me to leave without further discussion.

I have two questions:

1. What do other forum members do when stopped? Do they allow their bags to be checked or do they refuse? I know many will adopt the usual "if there's nothing to hide, what's the problem?" response, but I find it objectionable to be suspected of being a thief.

2. Does anyone know what the law states? I know that in some shops there is a sign near the door saying it is a condition of entry that all customers must allow their bags to be checked upon request, but the bigger shops have no such sign.

To check your bags you do have to give permission, and they should ask for additional permission if they need to touch anything in your bags. That would suggest that you can refuse to give permission for a bag search but I guess that may result in the shop refusing to allow you in in future.

I also think that most shops have a sign saying that they reserve the right to search bags or something similar, and if you do not want bags searched, don't take one in a shop that does this.

Nope. And thats a big NOPE. Ive caused great scenes coming out of JBHIFI. I refuse to let someone look inside my personal propety. I don't care what they say or do.

and its appalling customer trust too. Customers are these shops best assets.

I open shopping bags and show receipt for goods on leaving stores if asked, but refuse to let them look in personal bags. If you've nicked anything the alarms will go off or the store detective will hunt you down anyway.

I open my bag and show them before they ask!!

Do stores have the right to search your bag?

Keep walking.

And I thought we were the only ones stuck with K Mart.

I agree with Beoz on the bag searching. I don't know Australian law but I would imagine there isn't any legal authority to search (without some kind of private persons arrest). Having signs doesn't immunize the store from being sued.

It's the one Australianism I will never ever adopt.

I Always refuse.

I always just walk out of the shop without offering my bags for inspection, but if asked, I will show them. 9 times out of 10 I don't get stopped. However, I was in Bunnings the other day with my 6 mth old twin boys in a twin stroller and of the 8-10 years I have been going to Bunnings I have never been asked for a bag inspection until the other day when I walked out without buying anything with my 2 boys. They wanted to search the pockets within the pram, couldn't believe it.

I'm not asked in shops where the staff know me as a regular customers. I'm occasionally asked at other shops, so I just open my handbag and point it at them. I kid you not, I could hide a tank in my handbag if I wanted to - one look at the chaos in there and they retreat

Interesting topic. I was shopping in a supermarket in KL, and there was the usual heavy security around, including at the entry and exit points. I thought I'd better offer to open my many bags from other shops for the security guy at the exit. He was horrified! No no no, we don't do that. Good!

Australia is the only country I've ever been asked. Not surprised KL was horrified.

I usually offer my bag before being asked. On many occasions I've found this results in me being waved through without checking.

I allow my bag to be checked. I never refuse. Why would I?

You're not being suspected of being a thief. If they suspected you of being a thief they would call security and detain you until the police arrived.

The law allows shops to set their own conditions of entry. They're acting entirely within their legal rights.

Incidentally, when I lived in Walsall one of the local warehouse chains used to check bags and request sight of receipt as you left the store.

It drives me mad - I always refuse. If the security guard gets adamant I say to him he has the right to detain me and call the police, I'm hoping one day one of them does, I'd love to sue one of the big retailers :-) So far they always back off....

I'd rather shop in Oz department stores/boutique-type shops than in KL though - in the latter, every move you make is scrutinised and you're actually followed around. Most off-putting.

Have done the same, Caroline. I like you, you don't sweat the small stuff