Backpack Impounded
02-12-08 | 10:17 AM
#77
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,502
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From: Dallas Suburbpopolis
yes, but only 10+ years ago as a teenager. I bet 100 to 1 the overactive manager was worried about theft and nothing else.
Go back to the store and complain to the current manager on duty. You have names, right? if not, you have the date & time it happened. make a bit of a stink about it. Write a nice letter to their corporate office https://www.kroger.com/help/Pages/contact_us.aspx
Most retail stores loose 5-10% of their merchandise to "shrinkage": theft! I bet you looked suspicious to them
Go back to the store and complain to the current manager on duty. You have names, right? if not, you have the date & time it happened. make a bit of a stink about it. Write a nice letter to their corporate office https://www.kroger.com/help/Pages/contact_us.aspx
Most retail stores loose 5-10% of their merchandise to "shrinkage": theft! I bet you looked suspicious to them
02-12-08 | 10:20 AM
#78
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,502
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From: Dallas Suburbpopolis
I had a huge reply typed out and then didn't submit it right away. The forum automatically logged me out and swallowed my reply. I don't know when I'll have an opportunity to spend the time typing that out again--honestly, I won't. I suspect that an auto-log-out feature is really over-zealous in the security department. It's your own personal responsibility to log out of public forums when using a shared computer.
cheers
02-12-08 | 11:57 AM
#79
put our Heads Together
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: southeast pennsylvania
Bikes: a mountain bike with a cargo box on the back and aero bars on the front. an old well-worn dahon folding bike
Just pocket 30 bucks worth of saffron the next time you go in there. revenge.
I had a huge reply typed out and then didn't submit it right away. The forum automatically logged me out and swallowed my reply.
Originally Posted by acroy
suggestion: type it up in Word or as a text note. then copy & paste. otherwise it will get eaten on occasion.
cheers
cheers
02-12-08 | 03:44 PM
#81
Junior Member
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I've never had a problem with having a backpack in a store, but I'll never shop at Kroger's ever again just because they treat their employees like crap. For instance, my mom worked there several years ago, and every time she got a raise, they'd cut her hours so she wouldn't make any more money. Plus, they demanded that their employees join a union (and pay dues, of course), but they were only paying minimum wage, so not only were the employees making peanuts, but the union was completely worthless, as my mom soon discovered. That place radiates bad juju!
02-12-08 | 03:53 PM
#82
pan y agua
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Jacksonville
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You realize it was the workers at Kroger that voted for Union representation. I can assure you that Kroger didn't volunteer for their workers to be union represented.
02-12-08 | 03:58 PM
#83
Thread Starter
Pedaled too far.
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From: La Petite Roche
My final strategy for that store was to just plunk my backpack in a cart just as women put their purses in, and that seems to have dropped me below their radar.
Then, just before Christmas, another Kroger tried it. They made a real fuss, and I gave them a good long verbal sparring. I also bought a reel of tickets and some tape so that if they were going to be fussy, at least I would be able to insure accountability on their part. Two tickets, the same number, I get one, one goes on my pack. Available at any Office Depot.
Then I spent a couple of weeks flying around the country to visit family and friends. When I got back, I nervously went in, but no one seemed to notice my backpack, so I plunked it in the shopping cart and strolled in to do my shopping.
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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
02-12-08 | 05:42 PM
#84
Biscuit Boy
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Speeenard 'laska
I have a pretty simple policy. I refuse. If they want me to leave they can ask me to and I will comply as it is their property. But they don't get to search me or my belongings without a cop present. If they think I shoplifted they can call the cop in and he can go through it. If they want to they can call one. I frequently have a loaded firearm in my bag so that's another reason I won't hand it over to them.
However, I live in a free state. Other states have laws giving rent a cops enormous authority. Learn your own code or you might get killed.
However, I live in a free state. Other states have laws giving rent a cops enormous authority. Learn your own code or you might get killed.
02-12-08 | 05:58 PM
#85
Thread Starter
Pedaled too far.
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: La Petite Roche
And usually there is a cop present in the store. He/She's off duty, acting as a security guard for the store.
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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
02-12-08 | 06:07 PM
#86
Biscuit Boy
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Speeenard 'laska
Do you mean there are no other stores at all? No costco, no natural food places, no mom and pop grocery stores? That's just nasty. I'd leave the state.
Moonlighting cops are a very serious problem, and they have in fact killed suspected shoplifters in the past. That's why I mentioned getting killed. Some states allow them, others forbid the practice. I find it vile, since it allows an LEO to utilize broad peace officer power (including killing fleeing suspects) to protect some private store owner's inventory.
I would not live in such a place. But if you're stuck there you're stuck there. You cannot argue with a cop. Never consent to anything, but don't try to stop them or they'll kill you.
Moonlighting cops are a very serious problem, and they have in fact killed suspected shoplifters in the past. That's why I mentioned getting killed. Some states allow them, others forbid the practice. I find it vile, since it allows an LEO to utilize broad peace officer power (including killing fleeing suspects) to protect some private store owner's inventory.
I would not live in such a place. But if you're stuck there you're stuck there. You cannot argue with a cop. Never consent to anything, but don't try to stop them or they'll kill you.
02-12-08 | 06:26 PM
#87
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
02-12-08 | 08:54 PM
#89
As I stated in the OP. Kroger has a virtual monopoly in the area. Their only competition is Harvest Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary. There is one Whole Foods Market in the metropolitan area.
And usually there is a cop present in the store. He/She's off duty, acting as a security guard for the store.
And usually there is a cop present in the store. He/She's off duty, acting as a security guard for the store.
02-12-08 | 08:58 PM
#90
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From: Hampton Roads VA
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Them: " Our policy is ....."
Me: " My policy is ....., and my policy also states that when two policies are contradictory, we shall follow the policy of the one who is spending the money ".
Me: " My policy is ....., and my policy also states that when two policies are contradictory, we shall follow the policy of the one who is spending the money ".
02-12-08 | 10:25 PM
#91
Thread Starter
Pedaled too far.
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From: La Petite Roche
Admittedly, some of the WalMarts sell food. None near me. As I said, one Whole Foods Market in the metro area, quite a few EZ Mart convenience stores. No mom and pop grocery stores.
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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
02-18-08 | 09:27 AM
#92
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From: NYC
I rode to a Kroger this weekend with my messenger-style shoulder bag and a pair of baskets (I use the Novara 'Round-Town panniers - highly recommend). No one said a word, though I did get a few curious looks as I was packing groceries into the panniers. So I guess it's not all Krogers.
02-18-08 | 09:40 AM
#93
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From: Texas
Here is my technique, which I have used twice with positive results. First you have to think like the security/manager: their goal is get through their shift with the bare minimum of hassles.
So, every single time I enter the store I take up as much of their time as I can. The first time, I just pretend like I don't hear them and keep shopping with them following me. The second time, I argue with them for an hour (I mumble so they have to keep asking me to repeat what I said). The third time, I leave and come back immediately and keep repeating this for an hour. and so on. When I run out of ideas I start over from the beginning.
Within a month they give up and just let me do my thing. It seemed to help when i learned their names, but in the end the technique is to waste their time and make it clear to them you aren't stealing.
So, every single time I enter the store I take up as much of their time as I can. The first time, I just pretend like I don't hear them and keep shopping with them following me. The second time, I argue with them for an hour (I mumble so they have to keep asking me to repeat what I said). The third time, I leave and come back immediately and keep repeating this for an hour. and so on. When I run out of ideas I start over from the beginning.
Within a month they give up and just let me do my thing. It seemed to help when i learned their names, but in the end the technique is to waste their time and make it clear to them you aren't stealing.
02-18-08 | 11:40 AM
#94
vegan powered
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 385
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From: Chico, Ca
There is 1 grocery store here that I have boycotted because they wont let me wear my backpack, yet they allow women with giant purses. A lot of stores these days let you bring your own grocery bags so just tell them thats what you backpack is for. I agree it is BS.
02-18-08 | 04:55 PM
#95
still commuting......
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From: Port Hueneme, CA
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Nope - I'll keep whining. What about enormous baby strollers and women's purses? I've never seen these requested to be given up. A SUV stroller can pack in a lot more TNT than my messenger bag. Your right, your still whining...
I'm not going to give my most important daily items: cell phone, wallet, checkbook, medical supplies, work material, etc. over to someone I don't know. Then dont shop there. You have a choice to shop there, Just as they have a choice to elevate their security.
Everytime a store person asks me to hand over something I simply say: No, I'm more comfortable carrying it with me, thank you. Then I keep walking. Usually they don't follow me, end of issue. If they follow me and ask me to hand it over again I'll politely leave.
The mistake people make in this situation is to pause and start chatting when someone says "SIR, you need to...." Just say "No Thank You" and briskly walk about your business. In most cases with me they don't make the effort or don't care. And I'm not going to get into an argument with a clerk or secuity guard about my rights or their store rights when all I want is some ice cream or a can of soup. Your part of the real problem.
Also I don't pause and return to the store when the Walgreens alarm starts blaring every time I've obviously JUST paid for something. I keep on walking, and have never been followed out of the store.
Do you sleep better because your a rebel...
If you act professional and walk with a purpose people will see you that way.
I'm not going to give my most important daily items: cell phone, wallet, checkbook, medical supplies, work material, etc. over to someone I don't know. Then dont shop there. You have a choice to shop there, Just as they have a choice to elevate their security.
Everytime a store person asks me to hand over something I simply say: No, I'm more comfortable carrying it with me, thank you. Then I keep walking. Usually they don't follow me, end of issue. If they follow me and ask me to hand it over again I'll politely leave.
The mistake people make in this situation is to pause and start chatting when someone says "SIR, you need to...." Just say "No Thank You" and briskly walk about your business. In most cases with me they don't make the effort or don't care. And I'm not going to get into an argument with a clerk or secuity guard about my rights or their store rights when all I want is some ice cream or a can of soup. Your part of the real problem.
Also I don't pause and return to the store when the Walgreens alarm starts blaring every time I've obviously JUST paid for something. I keep on walking, and have never been followed out of the store.
Do you sleep better because your a rebel...
If you act professional and walk with a purpose people will see you that way.
02-18-08 | 08:19 PM
#96
Thread Starter
Pedaled too far.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,851
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From: La Petite Roche
I rode to a Kroger this weekend with my messenger-style shoulder bag and a pair of baskets (I use the Novara 'Round-Town panniers - highly recommend). No one said a word, though I did get a few curious looks as I was packing groceries into the panniers. So I guess it's not all Krogers.
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02-19-08 | 01:20 PM
#97
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From: Hattiesburg, MS
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It seems gross overgeneralizations and crass stereotyping are not the sole preserve of conservatives.
02-19-08 | 02:54 PM
#98
Thread Starter
Pedaled too far.
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: La Petite Roche
Exactly where in the South do they do that? I've lived here my whole life and have never seen what you describe. I would hazard a guess that your information about the South comes from the lurid and ridiculous mis-characterizations that spew forth from Hollywood, and not from actually visiting down here.
It seems gross overgeneralizations and crass stereotyping are not the sole preserve of conservatives.
It seems gross overgeneralizations and crass stereotyping are not the sole preserve of conservatives.
Since this is Black History Month, its good to remember that on February 2, 1960 twenty-five men and four women entered the Woolworth's in Greensboro, North Carolina and did a sit-in . They protested the idea that store owners could do as they pleased. In their case it was store owners forbidding people to enter their stores on the basis of their skin color. But it proves the point that store owners don't necessarily have free reign to do what ever they want in their store.
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02-19-08 | 03:30 PM
#99
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From: Hattiesburg, MS
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I don't think you lived in the South in the early '60s, or you would remember; and I think you missed Bro Max's point. He was responding to Pedex commenting about store manager's claims to have the right to do as they please within their store, in our case, impounding our backpacks. He was pointing out that in the '60s store owners claimed that they had the right to do as they please within their stores. And Civil Rights protesters proved that they did not. And Bro Max was right on target.
Since this is Black History Month, its good to remember that on February 2, 1960 twenty-five men and four women entered the Woolworth's in Greensboro, North Carolina and did a sit-in . They protested the idea that store owners could do as they pleased. In their case it was store owners forbidding people to enter their stores on the basis of their skin color. But it proves the point that store owners don't necessarily have free reign to do what ever they want in their store.
Since this is Black History Month, its good to remember that on February 2, 1960 twenty-five men and four women entered the Woolworth's in Greensboro, North Carolina and did a sit-in . They protested the idea that store owners could do as they pleased. In their case it was store owners forbidding people to enter their stores on the basis of their skin color. But it proves the point that store owners don't necessarily have free reign to do what ever they want in their store.
02-19-08 | 03:57 PM
#100
Thread Starter
Pedaled too far.
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: La Petite Roche
I understood his point perfectly. However, Bro Max said "The South", not Greensboro, North Carolina, which is using a very broad brush to paint us all into the corner of racism and intolerance. The South of the 1960's is gone. It's high time that the rest of the country realized this fact and stopped believing in the tired old leftist stereotypes.
I wouldn't be quite so sensitive. The incident in Greensboro was one of a whole wave of events that played out across the South. Racism is alive and well here in the South just as it is everywhere. Just juxtapose the Jena 6 and the 50th anniversary of the Little Rock 9 which happened at the same time. Most people know that it's not isolated to one area of the country. Just think of Manzanar and Skokie.
I also think you are stereotyping us on the left. Many of us come from fine old Southern families.
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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London