Getting followed in stores (rant)

[ngcsubutterbar]

of course I don't know if I'm being watched but sometimes I go to a store, walk around, don't find what I'm looking for and walk out within 7 minutes. for those of you that work LP, is that something you 'look' for.

[txinvestigator1]

Dontcha know your supposed to hire people to do things like that for you? Now go drink a beer and soak in the hot tub. :D

Aint that the truth? I will next time. It was 130 :eek: in the sun on Saturday!

[Metallic4]

121Traffic,
I agree with your points. But let me ask you this: Do you think teenagers have a higher chance of being followed/observed because of their age group?

[121Traffic]

Accepted Norm! Thanks for being so damn reasonable!

[Norm357]

I will next time. It was 130 in the sun on Saturday!

Now I feel bad cause I bitched about cutting the grass when it was only 95 here!

Thanks for being so damn reasonable.

LOL Well I'm working on it anyways.

[121Traffic]

Stuff that I looked for:
1. Bulky and unseasonable clothing
2. Bags from other stores that are NOT nearby or in the mall
3. People holding up clothing, but actually looking elsewhere
4. Stockpiling of clothing near a door
5. Conscious avoiding of sales help. Not a polite decline, but actually leaving an are where staff is present
6. Looking around for cameras, personnel
7. Random double selection...taking two of the exact same items to a fitting room, so the associate just thinks you are taking one item in. YOu bring one out, while you have stolen the other.

As for the age group, sometimes yes. It depends on the store though. At mine, yes. Not because you are suspicious because of your age, but what does a group of 12 year kids need in a store that sells high-end adult clothing? (We are talking $300 jeans, $5000 suits, etc)

As for just watching for the sake of watching, we were very strict about that. There have been cases of people confronting store personnel and suing for defamation of character or some other BS. We worked on RS for watching, and PC ONLY for stops. I didn't contact you unless I SAW you approach the item, SAW you select it, SAW you conceal it or retain it, maintained constant uninterrupted surveillance, and have waited for you to exit the store (this proves intent to commit theft).

[Stump]

Since MOST shoplifters don't like to be "seen" or have their face "identified" , why don't you try going up to a salesperson and asking , " where do you have the CD's for _______ ?" , or ask the store security person the same thing. If you do this as soon as you come in to the store it lends to a persons credibility. Thieves like to go do their thing and leave without interacting with anyone if they can.

I agree with this approach.

I remember this happening to me when I was about 18 or so. I went into TJ Maxx to see my mother, who was thea manager. I stopped at the front and asked them to page her, and then just wandered around the purse/wallet section waiting for her. I would pick up a wallet, then hear a clicking of high heels like she was wearing, so I would look up. I didn't think anything of it, but I guess it looked really suspicious. I would be holding a small wallet in my hand, all of the sudden start looking around, and and then put the wallet back when I saw a person going by. LOL.. When my mom finally showed up, I put the wallets down and went over to talk to her. I noticed 3 people kind of scatter, and didn't think too much of it. When my mom came home that night, she said I had 3 loss prevention people following me. I told her that I thought they looked like it and described them all to a tee. I figure that I deserved to be followed since I was acting unusual.

I don't care if loss prevention does that, but when a salesperson follows me around, that's when I get irritated and will say something to them like they are making me uncomfortable.