How to approach bag search

[Flowerbell66]

I work in retail and we have our bags/coats searched before leaving. This is company policy.

I’ve overheard staff talking that I’m suspected of theft quite some time ago. When I go to the staff room I can see that my bags/coat have been searched through without me present or consenting. I know this is the case as the pockets/sleeves can be turned outward sometimes and things aren’t in my bag in the order I leave them.

This has been going on for some time now and trust me I’ve been looking for another job. It’s getting on my nerves but is there anything I can do about it as obviously I can’t prove it. I haven’t stolen anything.

Any advice welcome.

I would stop taking a bag!

I was thinking this as one without audio shouldn’t infringe rights and then I would have proof with hr could check against cctv to know it wasn’t me in my bag. Then there is proof I am not the problem and they can’t easily get rid of me after that.

There is often lots of gross tissues and stuff in there as I have a small child. Poor them 😂 Unfortunately I do need to take a bag in with quite a few items.

I like the idea of buying something plus the receipt but that could look suspicious like I’ve just taken an identical and have the receipt.

I have had the thought about something being planted so try to be mindful about that. Didn’t think about drugs so will check extra carefully.

I do want to go to Hr but concerned they will just try and got rid of me. But at least if they did I would have something to go by?

Staff keep asking me loads of questions about my personal life recently too which is hard to pivot without seeming shady. No one cared/asked before.

I thought of this too. I quite like this idea

Just to add, someone was running late recently and I heard the managers talking that they checked the bus map and they appear to be telling the truth. Which seemed absolutely ridiculous to me.

Spy camera in your bag to film whoever it is that's pawing through your stuff. Then I'd be going to HR with it and saying that your bag and coat are being rifled through whilst you're working, and certain items (eg small change, a nice lipstick etc) are going missing. Turn it on its head and throw some accusations of your own out there. You still have to leave, nobody can work under those conditions, but at least you could lob a grenade or two into the staff room and sink a few cockahoops whilst you're on your way out the door.

What is to stop someone planting something on you?

Honestly OP I would just focus on getting a new job - have you annual leave to use up or can you get signed off by GP for a bit?

I understand PP’s suggesting HR and management but realistically in these retail jobs all you do is make yourself a target when you do this. They won’t think twice about planting something in your bag.

I’d get a cheap small bag from Primark and put in the bare minimum essentials, and just keep a smile on my face until I get out.

We used to do this when I worked in a call centre, had to check the bus routes if people were blaming buses for being late. Re bag searches they should only be carried out with you present.

Just padlock all the zips with number locks etc. Anyone asks just say you were conscious that they are not in a secure area and didn't want anything get in by mistake. Anyone kicks off just say happy to open it for a legitimate search with a Paddington Bear stare. A friend of mine just used to hide her stuff in her car rather than take it into work, so walked in with just car key

Do you work in a care home setting, OP?

Get a combi lock on your bag or use a bag that can be locked with one.

When you are due a bag search, just unlock your bag and show them the contents. If they ask why you lock your bag, just tell them someone is snooping through your bag and coat pockets when you are not present.

Get in touch with HR as someone is making false accusations about you as no innocent person should have their reputation tarnished due to the fault of idle gossip.

Hope this clears things up for you in the mean time whilst you are searching for a new job.

The first sentence of her post says she works in retail.

I'd buy a cheap bag from a charity shop or somewhere and coat the inside and (fake but believable) items in it with something that will stain the person's hands.

Or I'd tell HR that something had been stolen from my bag to see what they did about it.

Do you work for WH Smith? They did this to us about a decade ago, it was humiliating.

On a serious note, you need to get out. This is illegal and I imagine you could take advice. Start documenting everything. take pictures, make notes of dates. If you get screwed over, you’ll need the info to back yourself.

GLITTER!!!

in seriousness, you could possibly contact hr with a general enquiry about search guidelines...eg could you confirm if bags are always search in the presence of the owner, or are bags also searched without owners present?

I actually think this might be a good idea, along with documenting everything. You’re starting a paper trail of your treatment.

It's quite possible someone else is stealing but the blame is being put on you, probably by the person actually nicking stuff.
As other posters have said get a padlock for the main bit of your bag and then pop anything from other pockets ect in there whilst you're at work and tell management/HR why.
When I was a manager I would have possibly looked into a bag that was open and left for all to see but would never touch or moved anything personal.
Bag searches are normal but only when you're present.

I agree double up on another job hunt, and also agree to be careful you're not being set up, but the childish side of me would be leaving notes...'hey trunky, want a bun?' 'nosey, whatcha lookin for?' 'I can see you!'
'

Sounds like an awful place to work OP.

I’d say ignore ignore ignore until you have another job.

Buy a lockable backpack and make sure it is always kept locked while on site. Keep the key on a chain round your neck. A jacket without pockets would eliminate them being rifled through.
No, you shouldn't have to do this, but it would send a very clear message that you know exactly what is going on by removing the opportunity. If someone then wants to access your bag for a 'random' check, they have to ask and you can ensure it is done correctly.

Me too.

I'd be more worried it's the thief than policy.

Ask for lockers.

This

Line the bottom of your bag with a piece of cardboard with "fuck off" written on it (semi-joking).

Just get another job ASAP, really.

Lots of rational good advice but in addition glitter really is the way to go. Like a bag with a lot of it in the bottom of your bag. Better than staining and it's a nightmare.