I had an 85 year old friend who went grocery shopping, and forgot his wallet in his car. He had been going to this store for decades.
He went out to his car...with his carriage. Picked up his wallet and went back into the store—where store security met him.
They called the cops and he was arrested.
The guys was clearly confused, clearly willing and able to pay, and was coming BACK into the store.
It took months for the case to be dismissed.
Was it ok for the security to follow him to his car? Was it OK for them to ask what the hell he was doing? Absolutely.
But arresting him?
The age of “chain” stores has eliminated the “know your customer” aspect of stuff. And service is an afterthought, because service training takes brains. And front line employees aren’t paid for their brains.
Bingo. Spot on.
IN CALIFORNIA-—shoplifting up to $999 isn’t prosecuted
....”They MUST have NEEDED the items”........