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Originally Posted by Letum
In the UK you need a warrent to search a house (with the exception of some police branches).
However you do not need a warrent or a reason for a body/baggage search.
Of course, that is the case for the police only and not shop staff.
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Same here. If you don't let the shop search you, then they may be a little harsher on whether or not to press charges as you wait for the police to get there. They still can't hold you or stop you unless they have reason to do so.
I have a friend that works for a large retailer that is intimate with the procedures - hence why I know a thing or two about it. If you've heard some of the crazy stories I have about thieves stealing merchandise in store, and then going up to the counter immediately demanding a refund without ever leaving the store - its crazy and the thiefs are both crazy and bold about it too! The store mentality is that they build a rap sheet on each one of them before going in for the take down since shoplifters never only shoplift once. That way there is no wiggle room for the thief to get out of it - they basically ignore them the first few times around before they have overwhelming evidence to prosecute them. The other mentality is that the store (this is a higher end store I am talking about) would rather not upset its customers and allow a theft than to cause a scene for its customers. The idea is keep things pleasant until something must be done. Anyway, there are very strict rules they must follow to avoid a lawsuit from the perpetraitor. Getting sued because of lack of evidence can hit you hard from more ways than one.
-S