"Shoplifting" Help Please

[gc2013]

I was in a local Glasgow area branch of a certain chemist chain to purchase razor blades. Whilst looking at said item I had a look at my mobile phone and then put it back in my pocket before leaving the store without making a purchase as the price was eye-watering.

I was detained by a security guard in plain clothes who ran across the store to apprehend me with the assistance of a young member of staff from the store and a uniformed security guard from the retail park.

I was led into a small side room and accused of stealing "razorblades" and asked to empty my jacket pocket. It all became clear! My mobile phone! After emptying (all of) my pockets the store guard looked like he had seen a ghost in front of him and I informed him that the only thing that had went into my pocket was MY mobile phone.

He left the room and returned with a young Indian lady who explained that she was the manager of the store, although her badge stated that she was a Pharmacist. At this point I decided to phone the police and did so on the 101 number and explained that I had been assaulted and was in an office in the store in question.

The manager/pharmacist asked me to leave the side office and the uniformed guard and the store employee both left. The uniformed guard would not give me his name, but I did take a picture of him at this point as well as pictures of the store detective, manager/pharmacist and the young man. I also took a picture of my arm although by this point there was only a tiny mark.

The manager/pharmacist realised that I was not going to leave and made a phone call in another language which I assume related to the issue judging by her body language. The police arrived quite quickly as they had been on the retail park and were brought straight in by the young male employee.

I explained the situation to the two officers as did the pharmacist and the store detective. One of the officers left to speak to the retail security guard and the store employee. I have the names of both officers, the pharmacist/manager and the store detective.

What should my next move be??

[2Grumpy]

I think that it should be a solicitor specialising in boot cleaning

Did the police give you their numbers or give you a crime reference number?

Did they take the details of the others involved or arrest them for assault?

[scotgal68]

What happened next? I take it you're not still waiting in the small side room?

[gc2013]

One officer remained in the room and took details from the pharmacist and asked her what happened, then the store detective and asked him what happened and finally details from me and asked me what happened.... although I had already explained to both officers when they first arrived.

The second officer said he would speak to the young staff member and retail park security guard and he returned just as his colleague was leaving.

I left with the two officers who gave me their names and details but they did not give me a crime number or any paperwork for that matter. I did not really push the assault angle as the store detective did look genuinely upset and uncomfortable.

[scotgal68]

I would write a letter of complaint in the first instance, outlining the sequence of events, their response should help you decide your next move

[gc2013]

Just sent an email to the company in question. I will update on any reply.