Boots security guard poor behaviour @ 14 year old --- posted on behalf of new user

[Amethyst]

Hello,
I would like to ask a question. Yesterday, I was very upset here in London, because my daughter went to Boots Store and suddenly the security guard accused her of shoplifting. They yelled at her and claimed that she had stolen some article from the store but she didn't. They opened yelled at her, oppened her bag, disrespected her, intimidated, accused and offended her a lot. She is only 14 years old and she is very sad sad about what happened. Is it legal here in UK? Thank you very much

[bluebottle]

Re: Boots security guard poor behaviour @ 14 year old --- posted on behalf of new u

Totally unacceptable behaviour by Boots security. Did anyone get the knuckle-dragger's SIA licence number? Private security (including retail security) have no power whatsoever to open or search through someone's bags, clothing or belongings. I would certainly report this to the Metropolitan Police and the Security Industry Authority.

Do you know if the goon snatched the bag away from your daughter?

[bizzybob]

Re: Boots security guard poor behaviour @ 14 year old --- posted on behalf of new u

Might amount to assault. Was she detained, or otherwise taken to a side room, or even asked her age? at 14 she would need an appropriate adult to be present.

[bluebottle]

Re: Boots security guard poor behaviour @ 14 year old --- posted on behalf of new u

Might amount to assault. Was she detained, or otherwise taken to a side room, or even asked her age? at 14 she would need an appropriate adult to be present.

If the goon used any form of physical force to take the bag away from Ame's daughter in order to search it, that is Battery. However, without a full account of what happened, it is difficult to give the best advice possible. Notwithstanding, the security goon could be looking at loss of his licence, loss of employment, etc., whilst Boots could be looking at damage to their corporate reputation which is, basically, their own fault for failing to adequately and properly control their employees and contractors.

[Amethyst]

Re: Boots security guard poor behaviour @ 14 year old --- posted on behalf of new u

Sorry Bluebottle, it wasn't my daughter ( else I may have annihilated Boots by now ) I was posting on behalf of a user who emailed me. I am waiting for her to get back to me with more info.

Thank you though xx

[bluebottle]

Re: Boots security guard poor behaviour @ 14 year old --- posted on behalf of new u

Sorry, Ame. From your initial post, I thought it was your daughter who had an encounter with Boots security. I have no doubt that if it had been your daughter, they would be publishing the security goon's obituary notice by now. :grin:

[bizzybob]

Re: Boots security guard poor behaviour @ 14 year old --- posted on behalf of new u

Are there any more details of what the goon did, as in detained, back room, police etc?