Is it just me being put off from shopping in the highstreet because of the constant high alert for shoplifters ??

"Do you need any help" I say "not at the moment thank you".
Then once I've completed my shop I ask the helpful member of staff to carry it all to the car for me. If they say they can't I make them call someone who can. Works a treat.

I should have done! It was horrible especially because I had my period and already felt quite vulnerable (and worried about leaking because I didn't have any supplies!)

I would have asked his advice. Very loudly.

Happens to me a fair bit and especially in Boots. I’ve complained a few times. No idea why as I think I’m fairly well turned out and it’s even happened at 8.30am on my way to work when I’ve been dressed very smartly. Puts me off the high street

You should have asked him for recommendations.

I guess they profile certain people for a reason. It’s annoying when you know you’re harmless but they dont. My nephew and a friend were refused entry to a bowling alley once for wearing tracksuits. Bonkers

I did in Morrisons a few years ago. Had to select tampons and pads while being stared at by a security guard. Incredibly awkward.

Yanbu. I am finding this happening to me all the time now. It's incredibly frustrating and it puts me off shopping anywhere.

Supermarkets are the worst for it! I now avoid them at all costs and order my food online. My last trip to Aldi, Asda and Tesco resulted in the security guard blatantly following me around the shop. The 3rd shop it happened in I put down my baskets and left. It makes me so uncomfortable.

I have no idea why this is suddenly a problem? It's never been an issue before and it's very obvious that I'm being followed. I have put on a little weight recently so maybe I give off vibes that indicates shoplifter now?

I’ve found the same, I’ve been told I look fairly young (despite being early 30’s) and I have toddler ds in a buggy, and although I’m not scruffy at all I’m not in designer gear (basic jeans, trainers, coat, scarf etc) but I must look shifty as I always get the vibe they think I’m going to shoplift (despite never having done so, obviously!)
It is really off putting as I feel I can’t browse as I would like to, and have to just grab what I need and go. It’s frustrating and does stop me spending more.

I've had this once or twice, but I know I'm not stealing stuff, so they can crack on.

I have seen people running out of the local Tesco express with armloads of chocolate and steaks!!! So it must be a big problem.

YANBU.
Who wants to trundle around shops at this time, anyway?
Online is the answer for most.

See also rail companies doing revenue blocks even though they check on trains and you put your ricket through barriers "oh well, so many people evade fares" Yes but most don't.

And also the whole WFH thing - oh well one of our employees takes the mick so everyone has to come back to the office.

Can organisations perhaps get better at dealing with troublemakers and leave the rest of us alone?

People are so conditioned to being treated like rubbish by people they give money or time to.

Really? Happens all the time. And Lush is well known for pouncing on people as soon as they walk in the door (though I don't think it was originally about shoplifting).

I experienced this recently in the big boots in my local town. Decided to have some fun with the two people following me by waving the eyeliner I was buying high in the air as I browsed, then waving at them and smiling as I paid at the self check out.

It wasn't relaxing though and, as someone who likes a good potter about, I won't go in again if I can help it.

Interesting that you mention your daughter's autistic. I'm ND and this happens to me a lot. I think I must act in a way that's slightly 'off' and security/shop assistants think I must be shifty.

It's really off-putting and stressful!

Apparently if anyone still insists on not being watched, monitored and controlled, they're entitled.

YABVU for saying “on the rob” like a scally

What's entitled about not wanting to be watched constantly? Are we supposed to be content as customers with being suspected of something in advance? When did Britain become so complacent and timid that people are happy to be considered guilty the moment they want to do their shopping?

I was banned from our corner shop as I had a pushchair and matched the description of someone who'd been stealing there putting items under the baby's blanket. The owner's dad who was there at the time told me to leave and not come back. He didn't even say why at the time just that they reserve the right to refuse service. I went back later to speak to the owner, more to find out what was going on than anything and he apologised and said there had been a mix up and his dad thought I was a shoplifter he'd been asked to look out for. It's horrible to be on the wrong end of security vigilance but I guess you can see why it happens too.

Bizarre remark

This together with your other replies is very dispiriting. Do vote with your feet! I do

Thanks for the laugh. I only wish I was cheeky enough to do this.