to complain over this?

[Misspixietrix]

I don't know if I'm allowed to mention the store's name on here, but basically I was stopped and had my bags searched, no reason was given to me why, he just said they wanted to take a look. I was with the DCs when this happened, we got stopped as I was pushing the pram up the disabled ramp to the only exit of the store for everyone, so of course no one else could leave until I had been 'seen too'. I was tired and obliged immediately but was also very embarrassed and my poor dd wondered why mummy had been naughty! . Surely they're meant to usher you into a quite place and ask you? so would I BU in suggesting they really need to re-think their stop and search policy?

I think being ushered into a quiet place would be more embarrassing because as you're being led through the store by the security guard, no-one's going to know the outcome was that you hadn't stolen anything.

I think that they cannot force you to let them search your bags unless you agree to allow it. They can not allow any bags into the shop in the first place, and they can call the police and accuse you of shoplifting, but (this is how it used to be but it's been a while since I knew learned this for a module in consumer law stuff at uni years ago so it might have changed) they cannot touch or grab you or your bags, and they cannot prevent you leaving physically - they rely on your co-operation. If you say no and keep walking, they cannot actually detain you unless they are going for a citizen's arrest and they tend not to want to do that unless they are 100% positive that you've stolen something pretty costly, and they are certain you'll run if they don't - supermarkets tend to not even stock things that make this worthwhile so don't bother. The risk of a lawsuit is too high. They can of course bar you from the premises completely without having to give a reason, and not let you in ever again.

As far as I'm aware, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, they have no legal right to search your bags at all if you don't want them too. Only the police can do this. They can detain you to wait for a police officer if you are in the process of committing an offence or if they have 'reasonable suspicion' that you are committing/have committed an offence.

I'd complain if they didn't apologise or were otherwise rude go for the vouchers, baby

On a personal note, I would never let a rent-a-cop search me or my bags. They can either arrest me and wait for the police or leave me to go about my lawful business.

(Apart from airport rent-a-cops, who have a fondness for body cavity searches for people who don't comply)

You were innocent. Life is too short to worry about it further IMO.

Making a complaint might get you an apology, but it wont change anything.