gar1976

OK, so maybe the topic is a little overdone. But I feel strongly about this topic, so it's my way of showing the finger to corporate America. Sure it's petty, but what the heck.

If you've ever gone into a largle electronics store (Fry's, Circuit City, etc.), you've almost certainly run into the "courtesy" line at the door, where they check your bags, receipt, and send you on your way. Personally, I feel this is an unlawful search and seizure, since I've done nothing to arouse suspitions of shoplifting. So, I just walk past the line of people, smile at the kids working the line, and trot on out the door.

The looks on the other customer's faces is priceless, and I've yet to have anyone actually say anything to me. I'm sorry, but that kind of procedure is just a bit too intrusive to me (companies assuming that everyone is trying to steal).

Any lawyers here willing to back me up? Or is it a matter of time before I show up on COPS? ("I ain't stealin' nothin' pig! Hey! Give me back my crack!")

water_boy1999

So, what's the big deal about showing your receipt? If you have nothing to hide, you should have nothing to worry about. As far as civil rights are concerned, sorry gar, but I don't think anyone is controlling my loife because they want to make sure something didn't accidentally fall into my bag.

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Cynthetiq

illegal search and seizure?

do you not realize that when you on the PRIVATE PROPERTY that you have to abide by the rules of the PRIVATE group? If not, they can REFUSE to service you. Usually there is a SIGN when you walk in that states it upfront. If you don't like it. Don't enter the store. PERIOD.

Does that mean they are being prejudiced because you aren't white? No it means they have that right. Just like you have the right to NOT SHOP at those types of stores.

And since you seem to think you are snubbing your nose at them, when the prices of goods goes up, think of how else to stop shrinkage (losses due to shoplifting, employee theft) and present it to the coprorations as an alternative solution.

and thank your fellow humans for that condition. it's a few bad apples that ruin it for everyone else. I'm not a terrorist, I think that same thing should apply for when I fly airplanes, but it doesn't.

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yournamehere

I'm on the fence on this one.

I agree with <b>Cynthetiq</b> that something needs to be done to prevent shoplifting - although I think it could (and should) be done in a more passive manner (although "teenagers with highlighters" is at the top of the bang-for-your-buck list)

However, the "search" - be it legal or not (and I'm sure it's legal - or the ACLU would be all over it) - does indeed imply a presumtion of guilt, and I find it personally insulting for anyone to assume I am a thief - and be asked to prove otherwise.

And I certainly won't stand in line to do it.

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Lebell

Ummm, no.

This has actually been kicked around on another board I frequent.

After you have made your purchase, the contents of the bag are yours and the company has no right to search you unless they have reason to believe you are stealing (i.e. someone saw you slip something into your bag).

Walking into a store and buying something doesn't legally mean you are agreeing with a store policy to search you.

Now membership wearhouses are another matter, since you have to sign an agreement and it is usually stated right there that purchases will be checked.

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VitaminH

Personally I could care less. Put it in prespective. No security, shoplifting goes way up, store loses money, prices go up. If it helps keep things cheap, I'm happy. It takes just a few seconds for them to look at my reciept and send me on my way. I've almost always had a backpack or messanger type bag on when I'm in Best Buy in particular and they never even look in it. Maybe I just have a trustworthy appearence?

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spived2

I agree with Lebell. Once you actually purchase the item, it's your's and they should not have the right to search your bags. I usually just walk out and avoid them, because I don't believe they have any right to stop me unless they have some kind of evidence or probable cause to stop me.
Unless the cops are involved, fuck em and bypass that line.

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Skettios

In all reality Security doesn't have any right to stop you for anything, unless they have absolute proof that you were shoplifiting (saw you do it, or the cameras did) other than that, the only thing they can legitimately do is put you under a citizens arrest (which basically means diddly).

Costco always does this. They check the contents of your cart against the receipt. Unfortunately people don't realize that this is against the law. They're not allowed to do that sort of thing. The only thing they can legitimately do, is check off your receipt so you don't load your cart up and do it again.

If I'm in Costco, and some girl wants to look in all of my stuff, I grab my receipt and keep pushing my cart.

That's not how the law works in our country. I have no pity for store owners or anything like that, the law is more important.

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gar1976

Actually, a large expense for retailers is employee theft (estimated at 6% of revenue), not just customer shoplifting.

FleaCircus

I agree wholeheartedly with Cynthetiq. Especially since the established interpretation of the Fourth Amendment is one of limitation on the powers of governments and their agents.

Even if you tried to apply the Fourth Amendment to retailers, and I don't think it would stick, you'd be very hard pressed to convince the courts that someone checking over your receipt is "unreasonable" in the eyes of the law.

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CrazySaturn

Around here they just check you if you're taking out large items, i.e. tv's etc, and that's usually just because there's no real way to tell if you actually bought it or are walking off with it.

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Destrox

You must live in some high crime area or somthing, but here in north western PA nobody and I mean nobody checks or searches you for anything.

Unless that lil buzer goes off, or you are carrying somthing that isnt in a bag, you are free to go.

As for your rights, I my self dont give a shit. If it helps prevent theft, then I'm all for it.

I dont mind losing 2 min of my day waiting, it wont kill me. If you have a problem with this, goto some other store.

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Tholo

Depends on how much of a hurry I'm in. I stop sometimes, sometimes I don't. I never seems to matter much, and either way I have nothing to be worried about.

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Jam

i havent ever seen that at anystore around here... allthough at this one shitty corner store which i now refuse to go to some fat lady behind the counter demanded i empty my pockets after she saw me put my spare change in my pocket... bitch i was very pissed off