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Hobby Lobby - False accusations/rude/harrassment
Complaint
Review by trish2u on 2012-09-14
Rating: 
LAS CRUSES, NEW MEXICO -- Entering the store - I went to the jewelry isle to find crimp beads and I picked some items off of racks; As I was looking at other things in the store, I remembered that in my purse was a plastic bag of tools, crimpers and wire used to hang my carvings in a show last weekend. I removed a couple of packages from my bag to compare the others with and realized that I had picked up more of the same size, so I returned the ones that I had picked up to the jewelry isle and picked up some key rings instead, I then proceeded to the check out counter with my purchases and told the young man that I was putting my things back in my purse, paid for my purchases and started to leave the store when the manager and security accused me of stealing and took me to the office. We watched the videos and they showed me taking the items from the shelf, it showed me returning to the shelf and that is all - it never showed me concealing anything, never any intent to steal anything - I tried to tell him that the items that he took from my purse was mine - paid for at a store in Austin, told him that I had receipts, but not with me as I was just passing through town to another showing of my art works. I offered to provided them if he would only let me go get them. But instead he never ever offered any proof of his accusations, never asked the sales clerk if he could back my story, but rather had the officers write up a citation to appear in court and would not let me leave the room without signing a paper stating that if I ever enter another Hobby Lobby I will be charged with trespassing! I did provide the receipts to the judge and she dismissed the case, but the manager stole my belongings; literally "kidnapped" me into signing the paper (that is what the Judge called it)-and embarrasssed, frightened me and harassed me as I have never been treated before. What can a person do to regain their pride after something like this. I teach crafts create woodcarvings and show my art work all over Texas and New Mexico - I have spent a lot of time and money with this chain of stores - and now to be banned from all of them without probable cause.
Comments:
Posted by CowboyFan on 2012-09-14:
As a seller of art, the OP knows the problem with shoplifting. Whenever one acts out of the ordinary, especially taking the same type of items in and out of purses or bags, the clear impression is that one is stealing. By acting this way, one certainly puts oneself in a likely position to be accused of shoplifting.
Fortunately, the charges were dropped. If I were the op, I would look at the paper I signed as to whether it is a trespass warning for that store, or all stores.
Fortunately, the charges were dropped. If I were the op, I would look at the paper I signed as to whether it is a trespass warning for that store, or all stores.
Posted by trmn8r on 2012-09-14:
You can't lose your pride - you know that you did nothing really wrong.
If you look at this from their point of view, your actions look suspicious. I don't blame them for requiring proof, which unfortunately you did not have with you.
I have been banned from a retail chain myself. It isn't fun, especially when I also felt it was not justified. It will be more difficult for you to find a substitute, but I hope you are able to do so.
If you look at this from their point of view, your actions look suspicious. I don't blame them for requiring proof, which unfortunately you did not have with you.
I have been banned from a retail chain myself. It isn't fun, especially when I also felt it was not justified. It will be more difficult for you to find a substitute, but I hope you are able to do so.
Posted by melissa253 on 2012-09-14:
Whenever I have something in my purse that the store sells,and I know I need to take it out of my purse to compare, I always go up to customer service and tell/show them what I am about to do.
Posted by JISCal2 on 2012-09-15:
If any store ever accuses me of stealing and I know I am innocent, I'd call the police myself. I would NEVER allow them to pull me into an office and I would NEVER sign a paper that any business puts in front of me. They can pound sand! Let the police look at the tape and let them decide if a crime occurred.
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