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Wrongly Accused of Stealing
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What to Do If You Are Wrongly Accused of Stealing in a Shop
Being wrongly accused of stealing in a shop is not only frustrating but can also be emotionally distressing. Knowing your rights and handling the situation calmly is crucial. We’ll answer people’s most common questions when falsely accused of shoplifting, including whether you can sue, claim compensation, and defend yourself legally.
Can You Sue a Store for Falsely Accusing You of Stealing in the UK?
Yes, you could sue a store for falsely accusing you of stealing if the accusation caused you significant harm, such as emotional distress, reputational damage, or financial loss. To do this, you may file a claim for defamation or false imprisonment if you were unlawfully detained by store staff. However, pursuing a legal case can be costly and time-consuming, so it is often best to resolve the matter informally or seek an apology before considering legal action.
Wrongly Accused of Shoplifting Compensation
If you have been wrongly accused of shoplifting, you may be entitled to compensation if the situation caused you harm. Compensation could cover:
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, embarrassment, or stress caused by the accusation.
- Damage to your reputation: If the false accusation became known and affected your personal or professional life.
- Financial loss: If the false accusation led to job loss, fines, or other negative consequences.
You may need to consult a solicitor to assess your strong compensation case.
Your Rights if Accused of Shoplifting in the UK
If you are accused of shoplifting in the UK, you have several rights:
- Right to remain silent: You are not obliged to speak to store staff or security guards.
- Right to refuse a search: Security guards cannot search your bags or person without your consent. Only the police have the authority to search if needed.
- Right to respectful treatment: Security staff must treat you respectfully and cannot use excessive force or intimidation tactics.
- Right to see evidence: You can ask to see the evidence they have against you, such as CCTV footage.
Knowing your rights ensures that you are not unfairly treated during such encounters.
Can You Accuse Someone of Stealing Without Proof?
Legally, someone can accuse another person of stealing, but doing so without proof is risky. Accusations made without evidence can lead to legal consequences for the accuser, mainly if they result in harm, such as wrongful detention or damage to reputation. In the UK, security officers and staff must have reasonable grounds or clear evidence, such as seeing you conceal an item or finding unpaid merchandise in your possession, before accusing you of shoplifting.
How to Defend Yourself When Accused of Stealing
Here are some steps to take if you are wrongly accused of stealing:
- Stay calm: Remaining calm will help you think clearly and avoid escalating the situation.
- Ask for evidence: Politely ask what evidence they have, such as CCTV footage or witnesses.
- Do not admit guilt: Even if you feel pressured, do not admit to something you didn’t do.
- Request legal help: If the situation escalates, you can request the presence of the police or consult a solicitor.
- Document the event: Take note of everything that happens, including staff names, times, and interactions. This will be useful if you decide to take legal action later.
What to Do if You Are Wrongly Accused of Shoplifting
If you find yourself wrongly accused of shoplifting, follow these steps:
- Stay polite: Being aggressive or confrontational will not help the situation.
- Refuse a search if uncomfortable: Security staff cannot search you without your consent. Only the police can perform a search and must have a valid reason.
- Ask for evidence: Request evidence supporting their claim, such as footage from security cameras.
- Cooperate but protect your rights: While cooperating with staff, ensure you don’t admit to anything you didn’t do. You have the right to stay silent and wait for the police to handle the situation if necessary.
- File a complaint: If you feel mistreated or falsely accused, you can file a formal complaint with the store or contact the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Can You Be Accused of Shoplifting Before You Leave the Store?
Yes, you can be accused of shoplifting even before leaving the store. Security staff or store personnel might accuse you of shoplifting if they believe you are attempting to conceal items intending to steal, such as hiding goods in a bag or under clothing. While shoplifting typically occurs when someone leaves the store without paying, store employees can intervene if they suspect you are about to commit theft.
Can You Be Accused of Shoplifting Without Evidence?
Accusing someone of shoplifting without evidence is risky for the store or security staff. While they may suspect theft based on behaviour, they must have reasonable grounds, such as witnessing suspicious actions, finding unpaid merchandise, or reviewing CCTV footage. Accusations without solid evidence can result in legal consequences, such as defamation claims or complaints against the store or security team. To ensure the situation is handled fairly, it is essential to ask for proof if you are accused of shoplifting.
Being wrongly accused of stealing is a distressing experience but knowing your rights and staying calm are the best ways to protect yourself. Whether you want to seek legal advice, request an apology, or defend yourself, it is essential to understand the legal boundaries that apply to store staff and customers.
For more information on security laws and training, visit London Security College. We provide expert courses on security practices and legal responsibilities to help security officers and the public stay informed.
Sources
- UK: https://www.gov.uk/citizens-arrest
- Security Industry Authority (SIA): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/security-industry-authority
- Equality and Human Rights Commission: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com
- The Law Society: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk
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7 thoughts on “Wrongly Accused of Stealing”
Management accused the people with me of theft when I scanned everything we got i forgot my credit card so we the manager if we could put the rest of the items back on the conveyor belt he said yes he would put them back. My son n law and granddaughter came back from $ store and I asked him to take the cart back we had to put items back. They did and walked out. I paid and took my cart over in cash line to pay for what I had on me and asked the manager if I could come get my non food items on Sunday morning when I will have my credit card he said yes, and put my name n phone number on the cart. He helped me take the items out to my car. I opened the trunk he put them in there. The other manager took a picture of my tags. When I arrived home two police officers knocked on my door. Wanted to know where the other two guys were and their address we were charged with stealing! I am what! No way we paid for everything. Omgee this has been a nightmare I always go to aldis but this time was a real nightmare.
Dear Libby,
I’m very sorry to hear about the distressing situation you’ve experienced. Being accused of theft, especially when you’ve done everything right, must be incredibly stressful. I can understand how overwhelming this situation must be, but I want to reassure you that there are steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure that this matter is resolved.
Guidance and Steps You Can Take
Contact the Store’s Customer Service Team
Start by contacting the store’s management team immediately to clarify the misunderstanding. Ensure that they are aware of the situation and request a formal apology and explanation. Since the manager was aware of the arrangement to pick up your non-food items later, they need to acknowledge this and rectify the situation.
Customer Service Contact: Most major supermarkets have a dedicated customer service phone number or email address. You can visit the store’s website or find contact details on your receipt or the store’s app.
Report to the Police
Since the police have already contacted you, it’s essential to cooperate fully. Explain the situation clearly and provide them with any evidence, such as the manager’s agreement to hold the items until you can return with your credit card. If possible, give the names of the store managers who were involved, as they may be able to support your case.
Police Contact: If you haven’t done so yet, provide your side of the story to the officers involved. If you feel that the police investigation isn’t being handled appropriately, you can contact the local police station for further clarification on the matter.
Gather Any Evidence
If possible, gather any documentation, receipts, or written communications that can support your version of the events. This may include the following:
A copy of the receipt for the items you did pay for.
Any written confirmation from the store managers (or their details) about your agreement to pick up the non-food items.
Witness statements from the people who were with you, including your son-in-law and granddaughter, as they may have witnessed the events.
Seek Legal Advice
If this situation escalates or if you continue to face charges, I strongly recommend contacting a solicitor who specialises in criminal law or theft-related matters. A solicitor can provide expert advice and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Find a Solicitor: You can contact a solicitor through the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor service.
Keep Calm and Record Everything
Throughout this process, it’s essential to remain calm and keep detailed records of every interaction you have with the store, the police, and any other parties involved. This will ensure that you have a clear account of events, which can help your case if it comes to that.
Next Steps
Contact the store’s customer service team to report the issue and ensure they are aware of the manager’s agreement.
Provide all relevant evidence to the police.
Seek legal advice to ensure that you are fully protected.
Keep records of all communications and receipts.
I hope this helps guide you through this stressful situation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further support or have any additional questions.
Best regards,
London Security College Team
I was humiliated by a security guard on 24- July 2025 in my local. B&M store.
I am a 69 Yr old disabled Woman in a wheelchair. I suffer from MS and I have also had a stroke, which has left my right side weak.
I use a soft plastic carrier bag to collect goods as I go around the store, as I cannot control my wheelchair with a wire basket. I then proceed to the checkout with my goods.
I had just entered the store and proceeded left up the first aisle. I needed brown sauce, and pucked up a bottle of Daddies sauce, and placed it in the carrier bag which was on my lap.
Suddenly the security guard jumped in front of me. He told me I had to leave the store. I was shocked, and asked him why.
He told me that I had ‘pinged’ on facial recognition, and said I had stolen fifty pounds worth of goods on a previous visit to the store.
Knowing this was untrue, I kept asking to see the manager in the office, as evidence to prove my innocence would be there, but he kept refusing, and telling me that I was guilty, and telling me to admit it.
I told him why I use a carrier bag to collect stuff as I go around the store, and he kept telling me that it was wrong.
By now I was hysterical and I felt poorly.
I think he eventually got the message when I told him that it is impossible for me to shop any other way, and he eventually told me that I could proceed shopping.
I needed a few other things, and I proceeded around the store to puck up some other bits, but I was too distraught and couldn’t concentrate, so I went to the checkouts to pay for my brown sauce. I decided to speak to the manager, who came out and spoke to me at the checkouts, and not in the office. She actually took the side of the security officer, and humiliated me again in front of a queue of people. When I told her that he’d accused me of stealing from the store in the past, she said I must have been mistaken, or misheard him. The assistant that was serving me also said the same.
The Manageress said that she couldn’t do anything about it as the security guard wasn’t employed by the store, but by an agency. She refused to give me the name of the security guard or his employers.
The security guard came over as I was talking to the Manageress, and said that he had sorted the issue and let me continue on my way, but I told him that I was more concerned about the accusation of a past theft and this ‘facial recognition’ and he admitted that he’d lied, to remove me from the store quicker.
I suffer from high blood pressure, and home was a half an hour ride away. I was in a terrible state. Fortunately a kind retired nurse witnessed some of the altercation and could see the state of me and drove me home.
My blood pressure was dangerously high, and even after a few hours it hadn’t dropped, so I had to go to A&E to get checked out. Thankfully, physically I am fine, but I have been left scarred by the ordeal, and the leastbI want from all this is for the security guard to receive better training.
Dear Angie,
I am deeply sorry to hear about the distressing experience you had at the B&M store. No one should have to endure such treatment, especially when you were simply trying to shop. This situation sounds incredibly upsetting, and you must receive the support and assistance you need.
Legal Support and Advice You Can Access
False Accusations and Police Involvement
If you were falsely accused of shoplifting or if the security guard’s actions were inappropriate or unlawful, you have the right to report the incident to the police. False accusations can be considered harassment and should be addressed appropriately.
Non-Emergency Police Contact: You can report the incident to the police using the non-emergency number 101.
Emergency (if needed): If you feel unsafe or require immediate help, please call 999.
Disability Rights and Potential Discrimination
Under the Equality Act 2010, as a disabled individual, you are protected from discrimination. The store’s failure to accommodate your disability by not understanding your need for a carrier bag could be considered a form of discrimination.
Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS): If you feel your rights have been violated, you can get advice on potential legal actions:
Phone: 0808 800 0082
Email: advice@equalityadvisoryservice.com
Facial Recognition and Data Protection
The use of facial recognition software in stores must comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). If you feel that your biometric data was collected or used unlawfully, this may be a breach of your privacy rights.
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): If you believe your data rights have been infringed, you can file a complaint with the ICO:
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Website: http://www.ico.org.uk
Filing a Complaint Against the Store
You should consider filing a formal complaint with B&M regarding the actions of the security guard and the store manager. They should take your concerns seriously, especially as the situation led to distress and physical harm.
B&M Customer Service:
Phone: 0330 838 9000
Email: customerservices@bmstores.co.uk
Post: B&M Retail Ltd, Spencer House, 1st Floor, 8-10 St. John Street, Manchester, M3 4DP
Compensation for Emotional and Physical Distress
Given the impact this incident had on your health, including the trip to A&E, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury solicitors can help you explore whether you have grounds to claim for emotional distress caused by the incident.
Personal Injury Solicitors: If you would like to seek compensation, you can contact a solicitor who specialises in personal injury and public liability claims:
Solicitor Search: Visit the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor to find a solicitor near you.
Next Steps
I would strongly recommend speaking with a solicitor who specialises in discrimination or personal injury law. They can help you assess your case and guide you through the process of pursuing legal action, including filing complaints with the police and the store. You should also consider reporting the incident to the police, as they can investigate the false accusations and harassment.
The store and the security agency must be held accountable for their actions. I hope you receive the support you need to resolve this issue and that it doesn’t happen to anyone else again.
Please take care of yourself, and do not hesitate to reach out if you need any further assistance.
Best regards,
London Security College Team
I been accused of shop lifting at supermarket stop and search my bag , so need to take the issue further for the embarrassment and distress caused .
We’re sorry to hear about your experience. Security officers must always act lawfully and respectfully. They cannot search your bag without your consent, and any accusation must be handled professionally.
If you feel you were wrongly accused or embarrassed, we recommend:
Making a formal complaint to the store
Contacting the SIA if the officer acted improperly
Seeking advice through Citizens Advice or legal channels
At London Security College, we train officers to follow the law, de-escalate situations, and treat everyone with dignity. Unprofessional conduct has no place in the security industry.