A MUM has told how she was left humiliated after she was accused of shoplifting while out shopping with her daughter.
Jessica Mendes took to TikTok following the confrontation at the discount chain.
1
The mum explained that she’d given her tot a book from home to keep her occupied, rather than giving her her iPhone for entertainment.
But, as she was leaving the Australian store Big W, she was accused of stealing it in front of 50 people after setting off the security alarms.
Jessica said that Big W staff first accused her of stealing the book, because it was ‘so shiny and new’.
“Lesson learnt – don’t take your own books anywhere,” she wrote in the video’s caption.
“Turns out that one of my Target purchases buried deep in the pram still had the tag on and it set off the alarm…” she shared.
“When I say my soul left my body after being stopped and asked to come back, empty the pram and show 4 different receipts in front of so many shocked onlookers, believe me.”
Following the embarrassing encounter, Jessica said that going forward, an iPhone might be an easier option.
She added: “I mean… I’d probably be the one looking thinking ‘Wow, did that mum get busted stealing!? Juicy’ but damn,”
“Would be better off copping the dirty looks for having her glued to Paw Patrol on my phone!”
Mums in the comments were quick to confirm that Jessica wasn’t alone, offering up their own advice.
“There have been times that I’ve literally been asked to move my baby out of the pram to check that I didn’t hide things under her. It’s ridiculous,” said one person.
“Maybe designate a pram book where you tape the receipt to the back of it? Same with an activity/interactive book when your little one is older,” another said.
“Maybe put a sticker on them with your name/ random name or something that makes the book look like it’s yours,” another commenter said.
This story was originally published on Kidspot and has been republished here with permission.
HEALTH RISKS OF SCREEN TIME
THE screens of our phones, TVs and computers improve our lives in many ways, but there can be too much of a good thing. Science now shows Britain’s technology obsession is damaging our health.
Most of the harm is because screen time is sedentary, meaning we barely move our bodies when we are watching or scrolling.
Spending too long sat still eventually leads to weight gain and obesity, which are the driving millions of Brits into health problems including type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, cancer and dementia.
Here are half a dozen studies that show screen time can damage our health at any age:
