[Seia Ibanez]

Member's Question: 'How can I protect myself from these critters?'​

Hey there, members!

We’re wrapping up the week with another round of our ‘Members Helping Members’ segment: your space to share tips, advice, and a little wisdom with each other.

For today, here's a question from an anonymous member:

I do not know how the law has changed to allow Coles to rip a bag from you when you ask for help and start searching. Could you tell me the legal things they can do please so I can protect myself against these critters?

Got advice, tips, or experience to share? Comment down below!

If you also want to ask a question or for advice, you can always send yours via our anonymous form or simply post in our Members Helping Members forum!

 

[Parrot]

Having an anonymous form is a great way dealing with people who have experience in that area.

 

[Suzanne rose]

What they did by ripping your bag from you was absolutely wrong and against the law and your rights.

Bag checks and your rights as a customer​

Before entering a store or venue with a bag check policy, make sure you are aware of the following rights you have:

• You have the right to know before entry that a shop conducts bag checks. Signage must be clearly displayed at the entrance/s to the shop.
• Store personnel are only allowed to look in your bag. They are not allowed to touch the contents inside. However, if you are asked to remove an object in your bag so they can see inside properly, you are expected to cooperate.
• All bags can be checked, however, small handbags (the size of A4 paper or smaller) should not be checked unless the retailer is certain they contain goods from that shop for which have not been paid.
• A retailer is only allowed to detain you and call the police in situations where they are sure an offence has been committed.
• If shop staff forcibly detain or search you and you have not committed an offence, you are entitled to make a complaint to store management or NSW Police.

Guidelines protecting retailers and bag checks​

Although you have rights as a customer, there are guidelines that protect the retailer that include the following:

• If you enter a store with signage clearly advising bag checks as a condition of entry, you are agreeing to this condition.
• The retailer’s right to check your bags also includes checking cartons, parcels or any other container you are carrying that could reasonably conceal goods.
• If you refuse to allow shop staff to check your bags, you can be asked to leave the shop and not return.

 

[Sherril54]

I would say that what they did to the customer was an assault!