I just read your article about shoplifting. The very same thing happened to me this morning and I am so upset by the whole thing. I was accused of stealing underwear.

I went through one of those self-serve registers and by the time I got through fighting with it, calling an employee for help, etc. I was accused of trying to conceal underwear in my shopping cart. I was treated like a criminal and taken to a back room where they proceeded to call me a thief, threaten me with police if I didn’t give my SSN, etc.

All because I forgot I had underwear at the bottom of my cart. I am a 51-year-old granny for heavens sake. I work as a counselor at a prison. I have never been more humiliated in all my life!

I called the police when I got home and told them the story and you are right. They can have you arrested for shoplifting even if it is human error. I have been given a paper stating that I will hear from them concerning penalties and maybe criminal or civil action. I can’t believe this happened to me.

Patti,