Shop bag search policy
Aug 24th 2007, 3:35 pm
#1
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 286
Shop bag search policy
I went into my local Kmart to see if they had any boot laces. As I entered, an old lady ran a full 25 metres from where she was talking to her Kmart colleague, to stop a woman who was leaving the store. I wondered whether the eagle-eyed staff member had spotted a pushchair poking out from her tiny clutch bag but I couldn't see anything amiss and after a quick search she was allowed on her way.
They didn't have any laces, so I left. As I approached the exit, motorcycle helmet in hand, the old lady leaned over to peer in it so I pulled it away and asked if I could help her. As I continued on my way, she explained that she had to check it . I fully expected her to chase me down and insist on a thorough search but perhaps she realised that I couldn't fit anything of value into it; except my head.
Now I am fully aware that I'm reaching that age when moaning becomes second nature but in my opinion, this is a breach of my personal privacy and in today's society of increased monitoring by Big Brother, my own personal space and privacy is one of the few freedoms I have and expect to control.
This invasive behaviour should be expected for reasons of security at train stations, airports and large public venues like sports stadia but is it acceptable in shops and supermarkets? This is most definitely not a security policy in the context of public safety but obviously one to catch shop lifters.
Having done a little research, I have discovered that there are guidelines for bag searches which state that the consumer may refuse and that stores should not be checking anything smaller than a piece of A4 paper unless they have reason to believe that you have actually stolen something. If you refuse a search, the store can detain you and call the police but again, only if they feel you are concealing goods. If you are wrongfully detained, you are within your rights to sue the store for assault. Also, if the store make a wrongful citizen's arrest, you can sue for damages, on the grounds of injury, insult, mental suffering or humiliation.
An important point to note is that the store MUST display a prominent notice explaining their bag search policy BEFORE you enter the store. By reading this notice you are effectively agreeing to bag searches. However, all of the above still applies.
They didn't have any laces, so I left. As I approached the exit, motorcycle helmet in hand, the old lady leaned over to peer in it so I pulled it away and asked if I could help her. As I continued on my way, she explained that she had to check it . I fully expected her to chase me down and insist on a thorough search but perhaps she realised that I couldn't fit anything of value into it; except my head.
Now I am fully aware that I'm reaching that age when moaning becomes second nature but in my opinion, this is a breach of my personal privacy and in today's society of increased monitoring by Big Brother, my own personal space and privacy is one of the few freedoms I have and expect to control.
This invasive behaviour should be expected for reasons of security at train stations, airports and large public venues like sports stadia but is it acceptable in shops and supermarkets? This is most definitely not a security policy in the context of public safety but obviously one to catch shop lifters.
Having done a little research, I have discovered that there are guidelines for bag searches which state that the consumer may refuse and that stores should not be checking anything smaller than a piece of A4 paper unless they have reason to believe that you have actually stolen something. If you refuse a search, the store can detain you and call the police but again, only if they feel you are concealing goods. If you are wrongfully detained, you are within your rights to sue the store for assault. Also, if the store make a wrongful citizen's arrest, you can sue for damages, on the grounds of injury, insult, mental suffering or humiliation.
An important point to note is that the store MUST display a prominent notice explaining their bag search policy BEFORE you enter the store. By reading this notice you are effectively agreeing to bag searches. However, all of the above still applies.
Aug 24th 2007, 3:46 pm
#2
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Re: Shop bag search policy
I went into my local Kmart to see if they had any boot laces. As I entered, an old lady ran a full 25 metres from where she was talking to her Kmart colleague, to stop a woman who was leaving the store. I wondered whether the eagle-eyed staff member had spotted a pushchair poking out from her tiny clutch bag but I couldn't see anything amiss and after a quick search she was allowed on her way.
They didn't have any laces, so I left. As I approached the exit, motorcycle helmet in hand, the old lady leaned over to peer in it so I pulled it away and asked if I could help her. As I continued on my way, she explained that she had to check it . I fully expected her to chase me down and insist on a thorough search but perhaps she realised that I couldn't fit anything of value into it; except my head.
Now I am fully aware that I'm reaching that age when moaning becomes second nature but in my opinion, this is a breach of my personal privacy and in today's society of increased monitoring by Big Brother, my own personal space and privacy is one of the few freedoms I have and expect to control.
This invasive behaviour should be expected for reasons of security at train stations, airports and large public venues like sports stadia but is it acceptable in shops and supermarkets? This is most definitely not a security policy in the context of public safety but obviously one to catch shop lifters.
Having done a little research, I have discovered that there are guidelines for bag searches which state that the consumer may refuse and that stores should not be checking anything smaller than a piece of A4 paper unless they have reason to believe that you have actually stolen something. If you refuse a search, the store can detain you and call the police but again, only if they feel you are concealing goods. If you are wrongfully detained, you are within your rights to sue the store for assault. Also, if the store make a wrongful citizen's arrest, you can sue for damages, on the grounds of injury, insult, mental suffering or humiliation.
An important point to note is that the store MUST display a prominent notice explaining their bag search policy BEFORE you enter the store. By reading this notice you are effectively agreeing to bag searches. However, all of the above still applies.
They didn't have any laces, so I left. As I approached the exit, motorcycle helmet in hand, the old lady leaned over to peer in it so I pulled it away and asked if I could help her. As I continued on my way, she explained that she had to check it . I fully expected her to chase me down and insist on a thorough search but perhaps she realised that I couldn't fit anything of value into it; except my head.
Now I am fully aware that I'm reaching that age when moaning becomes second nature but in my opinion, this is a breach of my personal privacy and in today's society of increased monitoring by Big Brother, my own personal space and privacy is one of the few freedoms I have and expect to control.
This invasive behaviour should be expected for reasons of security at train stations, airports and large public venues like sports stadia but is it acceptable in shops and supermarkets? This is most definitely not a security policy in the context of public safety but obviously one to catch shop lifters.
Having done a little research, I have discovered that there are guidelines for bag searches which state that the consumer may refuse and that stores should not be checking anything smaller than a piece of A4 paper unless they have reason to believe that you have actually stolen something. If you refuse a search, the store can detain you and call the police but again, only if they feel you are concealing goods. If you are wrongfully detained, you are within your rights to sue the store for assault. Also, if the store make a wrongful citizen's arrest, you can sue for damages, on the grounds of injury, insult, mental suffering or humiliation.
An important point to note is that the store MUST display a prominent notice explaining their bag search policy BEFORE you enter the store. By reading this notice you are effectively agreeing to bag searches. However, all of the above still applies.
Aug 24th 2007, 4:07 pm
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
Re: Shop bag search policy
My version of the advice is to forget about it (the whole thing) and keeping walking.
And if the security guard fancies a footrace well he's welcome to try cos I enjoy turning on the afterburners.
(I don't see how they can detain you in the first place). Ultimately it is some sort of deterrant policy so I don't really care as I tend to pay for things I buy.
And if the security guard fancies a footrace well he's welcome to try cos I enjoy turning on the afterburners.
(I don't see how they can detain you in the first place). Ultimately it is some sort of deterrant policy so I don't really care as I tend to pay for things I buy.
Aug 24th 2007, 5:50 pm
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,913
Re: Shop bag search policy
I went into my local Kmart to see if they had any boot laces. As I entered, an old lady ran a full 25 metres from where she was talking to her Kmart colleague, to stop a woman who was leaving the store. I wondered whether the eagle-eyed staff member had spotted a pushchair poking out from her tiny clutch bag but I couldn't see anything amiss and after a quick search she was allowed on her way.
They didn't have any laces, so I left. As I approached the exit, motorcycle helmet in hand, the old lady leaned over to peer in it so I pulled it away and asked if I could help her. As I continued on my way, she explained that she had to check it . I fully expected her to chase me down and insist on a thorough search but perhaps she realised that I couldn't fit anything of value into it; except my head.
Now I am fully aware that I'm reaching that age when moaning becomes second nature but in my opinion, this is a breach of my personal privacy and in today's society of increased monitoring by Big Brother, my own personal space and privacy is one of the few freedoms I have and expect to control.
This invasive behaviour should be expected for reasons of security at train stations, airports and large public venues like sports stadia but is it acceptable in shops and supermarkets? This is most definitely not a security policy in the context of public safety but obviously one to catch shop lifters.
Having done a little research, I have discovered that there are guidelines for bag searches which state that the consumer may refuse and that stores should not be checking anything smaller than a piece of A4 paper unless they have reason to believe that you have actually stolen something. If you refuse a search, the store can detain you and call the police but again, only if they feel you are concealing goods. If you are wrongfully detained, you are within your rights to sue the store for assault. Also, if the store make a wrongful citizen's arrest, you can sue for damages, on the grounds of injury, insult, mental suffering or humiliation.
An important point to note is that the store MUST display a prominent notice explaining their bag search policy BEFORE you enter the store. By reading this notice you are effectively agreeing to bag searches. However, all of the above still applies.
They didn't have any laces, so I left. As I approached the exit, motorcycle helmet in hand, the old lady leaned over to peer in it so I pulled it away and asked if I could help her. As I continued on my way, she explained that she had to check it . I fully expected her to chase me down and insist on a thorough search but perhaps she realised that I couldn't fit anything of value into it; except my head.
Now I am fully aware that I'm reaching that age when moaning becomes second nature but in my opinion, this is a breach of my personal privacy and in today's society of increased monitoring by Big Brother, my own personal space and privacy is one of the few freedoms I have and expect to control.
This invasive behaviour should be expected for reasons of security at train stations, airports and large public venues like sports stadia but is it acceptable in shops and supermarkets? This is most definitely not a security policy in the context of public safety but obviously one to catch shop lifters.
Having done a little research, I have discovered that there are guidelines for bag searches which state that the consumer may refuse and that stores should not be checking anything smaller than a piece of A4 paper unless they have reason to believe that you have actually stolen something. If you refuse a search, the store can detain you and call the police but again, only if they feel you are concealing goods. If you are wrongfully detained, you are within your rights to sue the store for assault. Also, if the store make a wrongful citizen's arrest, you can sue for damages, on the grounds of injury, insult, mental suffering or humiliation.
An important point to note is that the store MUST display a prominent notice explaining their bag search policy BEFORE you enter the store. By reading this notice you are effectively agreeing to bag searches. However, all of the above still applies.
After reading this, i may well do. Especially when it is only random people they check.
Aug 24th 2007, 6:39 pm
#5
CynOpt
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 302
Wirelessly posted (t/x: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;448x320)
i don't want to offend anyone, but isn't it an extension of that 'i have a right not to be searched' attitude, that allows kids to get literally away with murder in this country. everyone is now AFRAID to question what they are doing. i'd accept the bag search as a sign of a society that is less tolerant of some of the appalling adolescent behaviour in the uk
i don't want to offend anyone, but isn't it an extension of that 'i have a right not to be searched' attitude, that allows kids to get literally away with murder in this country. everyone is now AFRAID to question what they are doing. i'd accept the bag search as a sign of a society that is less tolerant of some of the appalling adolescent behaviour in the uk
Aug 24th 2007, 8:16 pm
#6
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Asia Pacific
Posts: 4,922
Re: Shop bag search policy
I don't give a crap about opening my bag and letting someone pretend as though they are actually looking for something you've just nicked. If maybe I'd just gone to Naughty but Nice and bought a 24" double d***do or something for the dear lady I might be hesitant about walking into Target but since we've been married too long for that to be a realistic option I dont really mind.
Deterrent for petty shoplifters ? Maybe. Time taken for someone to peer into my bag...a couple of seconds. Harm done...none.
Its common practice in Australia so why get uptight about something thats quite normal.
Deterrent for petty shoplifters ? Maybe. Time taken for someone to peer into my bag...a couple of seconds. Harm done...none.
Its common practice in Australia so why get uptight about something thats quite normal.
Aug 24th 2007, 8:44 pm
#7
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Shop bag search policy
It doesn't worry me, but it seems to embarrass the shop person who has to do it. Just open the bag as you walk, hold it out, without stopping, person peers, says thanks, on you go. No big deal.
Aug 24th 2007, 8:52 pm
#8
A rather curious boy
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 5,917
Re: Shop bag search policy
I think you must look well dodgy Pen....never been stopped myself! (snooty sniff)!
I've never been stopped either. I just open the bags regardless of what's in them
Aug 24th 2007, 8:54 pm
#10
Former Resident Visa
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Mornington Peninsula
Posts: 2,887
Re: Shop bag search policy
When I lived there as a kid, I remember everyone just opening their bags going through checkouts or at exits.
When I returned to the U.K aged 14, I went into our town shops and opened my bags on exiting the shops. I could see the shop assistants looking at me with horror and then my new mates asked what on earth I was doing......
it is hard to explain to a bunch of 14 year olds
J x
When I returned to the U.K aged 14, I went into our town shops and opened my bags on exiting the shops. I could see the shop assistants looking at me with horror and then my new mates asked what on earth I was doing......
it is hard to explain to a bunch of 14 year olds
J x
Aug 24th 2007, 8:56 pm
#11
A rather curious boy
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 5,917
Re: Shop bag search policy
...and you are confident in the knowledge that there is nothing in the bag anyway because you have concealed twenty layers of merchandise under your overcoat and in the fake hump and bump you cunningly wear on all your 'shopping' trips....eh?
...thanks for the tip
.....and pm your lawyers name again!
Last edited by busterboy; Aug 24th 2007 at 9:00 pm. Reason: inability to type
Aug 24th 2007, 8:57 pm
#12
Australian Citizen
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Elsternwick/Melbourne
Posts: 7,810
Aug 24th 2007, 9:32 pm
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Western burbs, Melbourne
Posts: 2,260
Re: Shop bag search policy
I was not impressed when pushing the stroller with my daughter crying for food and was asked to open the nappy bag (which is like an A4 folder)...they insisted that I open it. So I opened to display the used nappy concealed therein.
Wonder if they are still asking for nappy bags to be opened?
Strange bit was that they did not look at the bugling bags in the understroller tray, where I could have placed half the shop stock....
Wonder if they are still asking for nappy bags to be opened?
Strange bit was that they did not look at the bugling bags in the understroller tray, where I could have placed half the shop stock....
Aug 24th 2007, 9:45 pm
#14
Absinthe Minded
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: At the football
Posts: 668
Re: Shop bag search policy
Reckon bag searches are a complete waste of time anyway. Any born and bred aussie shoplifter would surely have figured at an early age that nicked goods should be concealed on the person and not in a sure -to -be -searched bag
Aug 24th 2007, 10:49 pm
#15
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,861
Re: Shop bag search policy
