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  • From: Magnus <magnus AT trilug.org>
  • To: Triangle Linux Users Group discussion list <trilug AT trilug.org>, "Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/" <internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [internetworkers] security goons at TigerDirect in Raleigh: "No, thanks!"
  • Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 17:24:00 -0400

Not many stores do this anymore because it turns out they don't exactly have the right to coerce you to do this. But TigerDirect is one of those stores that still has a security goon at the door to check receipts against what is in your bag to make sure you're not stealing.

What most people don't know, including the people checking the bags, your compliance is not required. The moment you paid for your goods, they became yours. They no more have the right to inspect your bag now than they would to turn out your pockets.

So I picked up some networking components that I needed for the house. I had to explicitly ask for a bag because none was provided. When the cashier put my stuff in the bag, he then handed me the receipt and told me I would need to have Helga the Security Goon from Bulgaria check my receipt and bag on the way out. I smiled and thanked him as I tossed the receipt back into the bag.

Sure enough on the way out, Helga tries to block my path, telling me "Sir, I have to check your bag."

I smile and politely tell her "No, thank you. Have a nice day."

I think she was completely bewildered by this response. But only for a moment.

I never stopped moving. But I walked nice and slow so they could understand what I was telling them.

Then the cashier and security goon started shouting at me. "SIR! You MUST stop! We MUST check your receipt!"

I continued to smile, and briefly explained "No, you misunderstand, this is mine. You don't need to check it."

"Sir! STOP!"

Still smiling, I firmly but politely invited them to try stopping me, slowing down a bit more to give them a chance to try.

When neither of them made a move to stop me, I smiled at both and said "Great seeing you. I'll see you again next time!" and walked out the door. They didn't follow.

Folks, next time some security goon wants to make you comply with a corporate security policy that violates YOUR civil liberties, stop and remember: you don't have to comply.

I'm sure Helga is a nice sweet lady when she's not wearing her faux cop uniform and faux badge, and I don't mean this to be a personal attack on her, but I really hope she is unemployed soon and that positino is NEVER backfilled.

BTW - This same approach also works well at Wal*mart and Best Buy.




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