Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Falsely accused of shoplifting and have a few questions

[kallima]

My husband and I were shopping for glasses in an optical store one night last week in Chicago, IL. We did not purchase anything, but returned to the same store several days later to compare prices on a pair frames that my husband was interested in. After shopping for about 20 minutes, an optical tech asked my husband to accompany him into the office where he told him that they had my husband on tape during our first visit, putting a pair of frames he had tried on in his pocket and that we would need to leave (at one point during our first visit I had asked my husband for a pen, which he looked for in his pocket and didn't find… this is probably what they have on tape). We obviously disputed his statement and asked to see the security tape. We were denied this request and the optical tech referred us to his manager (who was not in at the time) for further questions. We were escorted out of the store. So, I have a few questions now. Both my husband and I work in a field where credibility is key – even a false accusation could do serious damage to our careers. If the tech got our license plate number or other info from us (we had shown him an optical prescription during the first visit), do we have to be worried about the store pursuing this further, or are we pretty safe given that security/police were never involved? Also, where is the best place to file a complaint? We were extremely embarrassed and insulted… we're not at all interested in financial compensation, just an apology or acknowledgment of some kind. Is there any risk involved with filing a complaint? Thank you very much!

 

[thelawjournal]

If they have what they believe is evidence of theft they gave turn this over to DA for prosecution or send you a letter of Civil Demand. If you choose to file a complaint you may do so through their corporate office. I see no risk to filing such a complaint but you never know