First things first.
Is it in a Mall? or just a strip mall type area? Second, did you purchase anything from that particular store that the Guard is attempting to detain you? Third, and most importantly, is there ANY posted signs at any of the entrances or at the front desk stating "ALL bags must be checked at the Customer Service desk upon entering this Establishment" Personally, I believe the Guard has a right to question you, and I'd stay cool and collective I would think, at that point in time, he would specifically ask you for a reciept, which I would produce. If he/she wanted me to come insode, I'd specifially ask for a manager and to call the PD, and stand in full view at the front customer service desk, and NOT the back room area.
The following is a bit long-winded and I appologize if so but it deserves thought. This involved me during the Christmas Season of 2003. It is as follows:
I was at Walmart last Christmas, and watched two females from the Boston area purchase 508.00 in clothing. They also had two Sony DVD recorder/players in their posession. One female put the Sonys on the counter..BTW this purchase was in the Electronics Dept. After she placed the clothing on the register, and after seeing the large total on the bill,she said ."naaaa I don't think I'll take these" and handed them over to the other female, who said "I'll put them away".. Mind you now, I was directly behind the first woman, and watched her hand the recorders over to the other..The second woman placed the recorders IN THE CARRIAGE.and proceeded to walk away in front of myself and several customers. The first female PAID BY CHECK for 508.00 and showed an address in Mattapan Ma. (BTW we're in NH at this time of the purchase) After bagging the items and paying for the clothing, he TWO then proceeded to the front area of the store. I then mentioned to the Clerk, "those two are going to steal the Sonys" the Clerk looked at me and paid no attention. (BTW, I'm very observant as I'm a Private Investigator) I then took my items, and briskly walked to the front area of the store, where they STILL had the Sonys AND the clothing (they has placed the Sonys UNDER the clothing to hide them) When I got there, they were walking out, after showing the "guard" their purchase. I identified myself as being behind them when they made the purchase and told the "guard" what transpired.. They were at their car, when the "guard" stopped them. I was there to verify what happened and they were detained, but not without being called "racist and other choice words <they were African Americans> They were brought in the store, and the PD called. I gave a report to all involved, but was told to "next time, let the Wlmart people handle it, as they're the Merchant"
I agreed that they should have handled it themselves <walmart managers involved> To this day, the "guard", and cashier are STILL there. The cashier who did the transaction is NOW A SUPERVISOR..Personally, after knowing about the incident, if I were managment, I would have handed her the timecard and released her of her duties.
So much for being observant and honest. :frown: