And finally

Two more issues that might affect you:

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is theft. Shops have the right to protect themselves against it by the use of security cameras and store detectives. Shops and some shopping precincts are private property, so you can be kept out or asked to leave. Store detectives, security guards and shop staff have the same rights as everyone else - if they have good reason to think that somebody has committed a crime, they can make a -?citizens arrest'. They can stop the suspected person and hold them until the police arrive. If this happens to you it is best to wait quietly and say nothing until the police arrive. You may be well advised to say nothing to the police. If you are arrested, ask for the duty solicitor immediately. Store staff, including security guards and store detectives, have no right to search you unless you agree.

If store staff, security guards and detectives arrest you without good reason, you may have the right to compensation. Ask a Citizens Advice Bureau about this.

Keep receipts at least until you get home and check the goods. They are proof that you have paid for something and they make it easier to get money back on faulty goods.

Thanks to the Youth and Community Relations for their help in compiling this chapter.

Proof of age cards

Many shops, off licences and pubs will now only sell certain goods, like cigarettes and alcohol, to people who can prove that they are old enough to legally buy them (shops often do not accept birth certificates and national insurance cards as they do not have the photograph of the holder on them). The police work hard with Trading Standards officers to ensure that young people under 18 are not sold alcohol by off licences and pubs.

For this reason, there are now a range of proof of age cards available, which do show a photograph of the cardholder and their date of birth. If you are old enough to buy age restricted goods, but have difficulty proving this in shops, then why not think about getting hold of a proof card? They are usually free or extremely cheap, and often offer holders discounts on some goods. For more information on how to get hold of a proof of age card, contact Grapevine on 01242 255888 or 01452 500080.