Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Store Security

Not sure if criminal law....

I have an ID card to get into my office building which sets off many store alarms near the exits. One store's security guards insist on checking my shopping as well as any bags I may be carrying at the time. I have demonstrated each time that it is coming from my wallet but they always insist on looking through my belongings. I withstood the embarrassment and humiliation but tonight another customer said that it is illegal for the store security to check my things unless they witnessed or taped me stealing. Is this true? Is there anywhere I can look up further info? Thanks.


Asked on 4/02/02, 8:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Store Security

This is a suggestion based only upon the information provided in your question. It does not create attorney-client priviledge.

Sorry, your friend is wrong. Store security can ask to see your packages if they have an honest belief there may be stolen items with in the packages. Setting off a store alarm would give the honest belief. You can only be detained by security for a reasonable amount of time to determine if you did in fact remove items. I would suggest that you ask to speak with the store manager to see why you're checked everytime if you security card sets off the sensor. This is a situtation absent other facts doesn't belong in the court room, but rather calmly with the store manager. If you're not satisfied with the meeting then you may want to take your business to a different location.

Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 4/06/02, 5:28 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in New York