Should Shopkeepers Be Permitted To Detain Shoplifters

[CallumDansTransitVan]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-66790189

With regard to the attached video. Is it acceptable for a shopkeeper to either detain potential shoplifters, or stop them leaving with goods they haven't paid for?

You'll have to explain that comment as I don't get what you mean?

Shops can't just do 'what they want'.
There is legislation to follow.
Maybe best to ask the question to Trading Standards who are now investigating the shop due to this policy.

Absolutely this. What a terrible time to be an independent shopkeeper.

Idi Amin expelled all Asians from Uganda. With very short notice, as Ugandans resented the wealth of the Asians.

Shops can't just do 'what they want'.
There is legislation to follow.
I've used shops with that policy. Do I nick stuff I feel I'm entitled to? No.

No, the police should be made to get off their arses and attend crime scenes. If this truly isn't possible, then we as an electorate need to know why!!

Thanks for the clarification.

lap90
Where did you find the information the shop is under investigation? The legislation in returning goods is pretty clear. If the item was bought in store and was not faulty, the shop does not need to refund,, replace or offer store credit.

Just seen this video of the ladies arrest outside the shop. After making what sounded like false claims of rape in the store, she then results to screaming racism where there doesn't appear to be any.
https://www.tiktok.com/@getviral75/video/7279834065874734368

I couldn't make put what she was saying - too much background noise.

I could just make out the last bit, calling everyone racists.

The very uncomfortable truth about this incident in Peckham is that it is being sold as racist against a black woman whilst in parallel there are many racist comments against the Asian community.

In short it really is a grossly dangerous violent and disproportionate response from a large man against a small woman.

It is a male/female issue.

Have you viewed the full length video which shows the woman assaulting him, him walking away and her then going back to have another go? If your big enough to carry out an assault on somebody, then you need to be prepared for that person to defend or retaliate.

Yes, I've seen it all. What is your point here OP? You've bumped the thread several times but no one wants to engage further. Possibly because your argument seems to be "she deserved it". I think most would disagree with that to a greater or lesser extent.

She was aggressive and angry when she didnt get the refund.

He should not have put hands around neck although i think it is fair to say he was attacked very violently too.

Glad the second video has been circulated really shows her aggressive behaviour.

But both can learn from this and move forward.

I added a third video pertaining to the event which is entirely relevant. My previous posts have been part of discussion in this thread.

Yes I do think she was completely to blame and other than the seconds where his hands were anywhere near her throat, the response was entirely proportionate.

Both could have behaved differently.
The lady was aggressive and not at all the innocent victim she is now playing.

Yes he should not have grapped her around the neck AT ALL.

However she is not a pleasant lady by any means

I'd suggest you check the requirements of the Consumer Rights Act.

So, she should have made a complaint to the appropriate body, instead of stealing stuff.
Every place I've been to that have a no returns policy state that clearly, as I bet this guy did.
It's your choice to shop there and, if you don't like it, go elsewhere.

They can unless they are distance selling (if it has been personalised or for certain items these don't have to either.)

This is what Citizens Advice says about consumer rights Simply changing your mind about goods you have bought in a shop does not give you an automatic right to a refund. Some shops will have their own returns policies but do not confuse these with your 'statutory rights' i.e. what the law says you are entitled to.

The UK Gov Website on returns and giving refunds - it is bolded here, www.gov.uk/accepting-returns-and-giving-refunds, - 'It’s illegal to display any notice that deliberately misleads consumers or deceives them about their rights, for example a sign that says you do not accept returns or offer refunds'.

The Law explained further, www.businesscompanion.info/node/469/mid/1488, 'Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 it is also a criminal offence to mislead a consumer about their legal rights.
The following are examples of statements that are likely to mislead consumers about their rights:
• no refunds given
• goods can only be exchanged
• only credit notes will be given against faulty goods
• sold as seen
Even the statement 'No refunds except where goods are faulty' would be illegal, as there are a number of cases where a consumer can claim a refund on goods that are not faulty (such as misdescribed goods).'

Like i said previously, the shopkeeper is being investigated by Trading Standards regarding this so if MumsNetters know the Law better it's worth getting in touch with them.
He is familiar with Trading Standards after all having been prosecuted for selling cancer causing cosmetics.

That's if they are misdescribed. Changing your mind or buying the wrong item, as appears to have happened in this case, is down to the shop keepers discretion.

And all of this is irrelevant. What's important is the behaviour of the parties involved which noone can claim was anywhere near acceptable.