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I have mixed feelings about this guy's receipt checking crusade. However if I invite the public onto my private property do I have the right to do whatever I want to them? What if Walmart wanted to strip search him, or fondle his child's genitals to make sure no merchandise in his/her pants?

Obviously those are extreme examples, but my point is that private property rights don't give property owners carte blanche to do whatever they please.

Should a consumer be forced to prove ownership of everything they are wearing or carrying in their handbags? Should you have to prove that the cash in your wallet wasn't stolen from the cash register or carry around receipts for all the clothing, watches and jewelry you are wearing?

There is also a burden of proof issue. It does sort of set a bad precedent when an individual is compelled to prove he did not steal his own property. Shouldn't the burden be on the accuser to prove or at least show probable cause that it was stolen?

If state law says a consumer cannot be compelled to show receipts stores should comply, while possibly trying to get the law changed or considering whether it is viable to do business under that law.

All that said I do sympathize with the store's need to prevent theft and understand that receipt checking is not horribly burdensome.

No way do I ever stop for that kind of thing. The manager was ill informed and acted badly. They can have all the “policies” they want. Look up the definition of receipt, and all becomes clear.

It’s understood that this is really a check or internal control that is looking for collusion between store employees and fake customers. Maybe, maybe other things. That’s THEIR problem. People accept the unacceptable because they are too stupid or unwilling to know and understand their rights.

Where does it stop? What if they wanted to search your pockets? Search your wallet? Pull your weapon (if you’re carrying) and examine it? Examine your driver;s license?

Your purchase is YOURS the moment you paid for it...if you think someone can inspect your private property because you are on their property, do they have the right to search your car? No...they’re not LEO’s and your purchase are YOURS, as are the contents of your wallets and your pockets...