Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The day I got searched @ Walmart

So this morning I was up bright & early and headed to Wally-world for some groceries & 8 cases of water bottles for my brother's boy scout troop. Nothing big (except the cart) and it was actually a pleasant trip. I decided after lifting the 8 cases of water that I would come back for the body wash, tank tops for dad/brother, and some miscellaneous items. SO I go home, unload and think that I will try Target to try to avoid that second trip. NOT GONNA happen. So within the hour...I was headed to Walmart for the second time for the tanks (which Target did not have) & the miscellaneous items. I checked out & then it happened...

I was asked to step aside as I was leaving. I was a little confused why and at first was not told. I was asked to empty my pockets w/the keys only inside. Then I was patted down searched and then the people finally told me that they had to search me so the lady behind me was not "singled out for shoplifting." I was then asked for my receipt, they looked over it, and was let go. I hung around for a few moments to watch.

Apparently this 40+ year old lady stuffed stuff in her shirt, used reusable bags to load up and did not pay. She walked through the self-check out and still did not pay. She definitely had $100+ dollars worth of unpaid, "stolen" stuff. There was an "undercover" Walmart employee who had apparently been following this lady for quite some time and approached her at the door along with two women and the scrawny manager. They told the "suspect" that she was not going to leave...she tried to push through the manager, but had no luck. She tried to "get out of it," but had no luck and continued to curse the Walmart people out. After they apprehended her...I went to my car. As I was pulling out of the parking lot...the police arrived.

SO there you have it...a day with an adventure! I was a little startled by the whole situation...BUT I got over it. Just shows you what people do sometimes.

14 comments:

Tim said...

WOW!! That is soooo crazy! So glad your ok.

Love and Prayers,

Tim

wife.mom.nurse said...

The kids and I have seen at least 8 people get arrested for shoplifting over the past few years. But I have never been asked to show my pockets. That would be unsettling!

Glad you took it in stride.

Take care friend,
Julie

McCrakensx4 said...

OMGosh...crazy cool! I would have had a panic attack and gotten all defensive I am sure! Glad you kept your calm! What an adventure!

Aunt of 14 said...

That is scary!!!! I would not have known what the heck to do if I was in your shoes. I probably would have freaked out so bad they would've had to transquilize me!

Cochran Quads said...

I was cracking up when I got your Tweet and couldn't wait to read your post! You took it much better than I would have! But I agree with you, I would have had to stay around to see what was happening after you got "frisked!"

Jenny said...

That seems so bizarre that they would do that to you just to get her!! Why not just get her?! I would have been LIVID!!! You handled it much better than I would have!

The Pifer's said...

OMG, I think I would have been so mad at first if they didn't tell me...you handled that great :)

Tobi said...

That is a crazy but good story! Thanks for sharing. Weird that they had to stop you just so this lady who was obviously stealing couldn't complain that she was targeted unfairly. The world we live in! GEEZ!

tbonegrl said...

WOW!!!! What a story!!!!

Tagged you in a meme and gave you an award you already have, b/c you are that awesome!

:)

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

Lesson learned~ always go to target!!

Beth E. said...

I still don't understand the concept of searching YOU so SHE wouldn't be singled out.

That was some afternoon you had...you lead such an exciting life! LOL

Julie said...

I would've been LIVID! They should've given you a gift card or something for doing that to you. That's just WRONG! Gives me another reason to hate Wal-Mart. I bet Target wouldn't do that. :)

Ace said...

you mean there are actually wal-mart employees out there that care? I always hang stuff over the edge of my cart and put stuff underneath. I don't know how many times I've asked if they got it, they can't remember and wave it off.

Healthy Distrust said...

The next time someone asks you to empty your pockets or see your receipt, you should politely but firmly refuse. While many shoppers may feel intimidated by a cluster of store employees and uniformed guards performing exit searches, the truth is once you buy something, it becomes your personal property, and the store cannot inspect it without your permission. Receipt and bag checks are merely "consent searches" -- they can only paw through your purchases if you say it's OK.

If you just say "No, thank you" and continue out the door, they have to let you leave. State law has a "merchant's privilege" that allows storekeepers to detain shoplifters and hold them until police arrive, but in order to lawfully prevent someone from leaving, they must have probable cause, which requires hard evidence of theft. If you haven't stolen and greeters or security guards physically prevent you from leaving, you could have them arrested on charges of false imprisonment. (More on the law: http://www.crimedoctor.com/loss_prevention_3.htm )

Sorry to hear about your harrowing Wal-Mart experience. I hope you'll consider your right to refuse such rude and invasive searches from now on!