How can I get store security guards to stop harassing me?

Question

I usually feel harassed by the security at my local favorite department store. Their tactics include increasing the volume on an overhead speaker in each section as I go from one section to another section of clothing, calling codes like 87** ever louder. When I buy something there is always a phone call to the cashier during my sale. This has happened 3 times now.

I know I can shop anywhere (please don’t suggest another store) I want but it seems the store is more paranoid than I am. Is there an assertive way to let them know up front that I know they are watching and assure them I will not steal so I can shop in peace and without earplugs? Any suggestions? Would like to hear from some security guards.

I have no record, have never stolen anything and am over 40.

Answer 1

at first i thought you were some kid until i read you were 40

since this is your favorite store, i suggest calling up the store manager and request a meeting. or call store security management.

Answer 2

dude I think you're paranoid.. nobody is watching you and the world doesn't revolve around you relax. And the speakers are equally loud throughout the store, maybe you're starting to get sensitive hearing.  

Answer 3

they do that to everyone. Everyone wants tighter security. Its only going to get worse.

Answer 4

Have you seen security actually following you and writing stuff down, trying not to look suspicious?

As much as I hate to break it to you, store PA's are wired in series, meaning, when they turn up one, they all go up, no individual volume adjust. If its a large store sometimes different departments are individually addressable, but if I were you I'd be more worried about the sub-miniture camera's, they also have tracking software for those "dome cams" that they can program to follow you everywhere in the store, even switch between camera's, the parking lot too.

Answer 5

Um.  Wow.  Gee.  OK, I'm speechless.  You need help dude.  You need to see a mental health professional NOW...

Answer 6

Put you clothes back on.  No one likes to see a naked 40+ man roving around a department store.

Answer 7

Ask your psychiatrist about it.  Be sure to mention your belief that some store installed a special sound system just for you, and that they have the manpower to do all these things.  More importantly, mention your belief that you are important enough to inspire a store to do all these things just to torment you.

Answer 8

Some stores watch more than others.  My Mom at 83 could be watched, you never know.  Do you dress like a gang member? Not to be sarcastic, but people do put profiles before personalities.  Try not to be with many, crowds can also attract security.  Joking around, goofing off.  You need to be cool, shop alone or with a good friend.  Lots of trouble makers out there, if your are not one, don't act like one.  Some people look suspicious, its the evil one;s that make it tough for the good ones. Good luck.  

Answer 9

Shape up your appearance.   Security guards obviously target people who look and act like you do.  So BE LIKE OBAMA AND CHANGE. If you change, let's HOPE it's for the better.  

A good security guard always PROFILES people like you,  Profiling is GOOD for security.   Profiling will keep us safe from people who look suspicious.  So stop looking suspicious.   HOPE you CHANGE !!!

Answer 10

You can ask to talk to the manager and let him know you have noticed some disturbing and rather creepy behavior when you come to shop there.

This way, if he wasn't aware of it before, he's aware of it now.

Let him know that you love the store and you love shopping there, but if the creepy stuff continues, you are going to take your complaints to the local newspaper and the Better Business Bureau.  

Answer 11

just the way life is at times..would not let this bother me