February 2024 by KT Chien
I'm feeling really shaken up with the staff from Age UK todayOn Thurs 15 Feb at around 4.45pm, I visited Age UK Lumley Rd with my elderly dog, who has a terminal heart condition and travels in a buggy, and my registered support dog, clearly marked on her harness. As I was about to leave the shop, a female staff member approached aggressively, snatching a jumper out of the buggy that I had removed before entering the store because of a hot flush. I was embarrassed as the jumper was old, well-worn, and carried my odour.The woman loudly shouted 'is that one of our dresses you have' she realised her mistake, tossed the jumper back into the buggy, muttering about missing dresses from rails. I was mortified and taken aback at how she grabbed my belongings, lack of apology for the misunderstanding and the way in which she had shouted.I confronted her about the accusation of shoplifting, she again raised her voice, stating I was a shoplifter and claimed I had been in the shop a month ago stealing and she had witnesses. I began to get distressed telling her I live in a different town, not in Skegness, that I would have been working during the alleged incident and that I hadn't been in the store since August. She continued to insist on her false accusations mocking me stating ?one month, more what's it matter? I asked for details of the supposed witnesses, dates, and evidence to substantiate her claims, and I also requested access to CCTV footage and her name. She refused to provide any information. She turned to her assistant and said isn't this the lady who stole from us?" The assistant replied 'I think so' I was getting more upset, shaking , telling them both, you can't 'think so' if you accuse someone you need facts. This us slander and you're telling lies. I told them I'm registered as blind, showed her my white cane pointing out I'd be a terrible shoplifter. I have a support dog and need help seeing. Despite this, she continued to mock and belittle me, laughed and said ? pft your dog is in a buggy.? I don't think she looked at the dog standing with a support harness on. I showed her the support registration card for my dog and told her you're rude and I want your name to complain. She refused to give it to me. I tried to read her work badge, I did and I apologise for touching the badge with my finger when trying to read it. I misjudged how far away she was from me. I see the world as a blur, it was a genuine mistake she screamed at the top of her voice in front of customers "you assaulted me, don't touch me, get your hands off me, repeatedly shouting you assaulted me that's assault" I told her I wanted her to call the police she mocked me again saying ?you call the police.? saying she was leaving the shop.I am deeply upset and humiliated by this experience. I love this town, and my family has been a part of its community for generations. She made me feel worthless like dirt with no dignity. I don't ever remember anyone in Skegness being so mean this is just not the loving people I know. A lovely lady stopped me outside. I was crying asking if I was ok and told me it was the manager of the shop who'd been rude. Whoever you are, thank you. it's left me very shaken and shocked I understand managers need to be careful and I understand anyone can make a mistake. I wish you'd spoken to me quietly and privately and acknowledge your mistake. I don't have a criminal record I have never stolen from age UK or anyone else i love going for a stroll, chatting to the staff of all the other charity shops who are absolutely lovely they make a fuss of the dogs, have giggles and send me home with a smile.
