Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Civil Rights

I would like to know if there is is a law in California which requires an individual to permit a merchant to inspect goods purchased prior to leaving the store. Many department stores are now stationing security personnel at the exits of thier stores. Upon exiting the store, the security personnel require you to show a receipt for the purchase and allow them to rifle through your bags. It seems to me as though once you have made a purchase, the item becomes your property and should not be subject to search without your permission. Some of the security personnel become quite agressive by blocking your exit, taking your bags from you, and then searching through the bags. When I have inquired about this practice, the store managers have told me that they are trying to insure that I have not been charged for an item that I did not receive.

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