My sister in law was visiting for a week so i took her to Vim on St Johns to buy 3 pairs of levi jeans. When we were leaving through the door the alarm went off, which is not unusual but all the same embarassing. The guard called us back, checked our bags, and did not discover anything so he gave us back our bags and we left. When we got home we discovered a detector was left on the inside pocket of the jeans. Since we were not able to take it back right away, we decided to return it as soon else as we could. On Tuesday6th, we had to be in the Flatbush area ad as much as I know there's a VIM there we decided to take it there. I've never had a problem with returning an item at any VIM branch once I have my receipt. We went into the store and explained to the floor manager that we bought the items at StJohns branch and we wanted to exchange 2 pairs 4 bigger sizes and an alarm was left on the other one. He told us he can exchange the 2 but we will have to take the one with the detector back where we bought it. I told him I don't find that makes sense and I don't see why he cannot remove it since we have our receipt and it's not like if it's not the very same owner. He walked away and went to the register so I thought he was going to remove it but after standing for a minute I realized he had dismissed me without even an apology on behalf of the store for my inconvenience. So I asked him again whether he was going to remove it. He told me no and said we are not supposed to leave the store with the detector. I told him it's not my fault, and I was not the one who is responsible for removing such and the guard called me back to check when the alarm went off, found nothing and told us to go ahead so why should I have to suffer and run all around through no fault of mine. He said he cannot because the store has cameras so I told him, I did not steal the item so what does the store having cameras have to do with removing the detector and who is funding my fare to run to and fro? He said that is not his problem. I told him I am not leaving until he removes the detector and I may have to call the cops to resolve the matter. He took in front and he called the cops and told them he have a very rowdy customer.By now I was riled up so I cussed him out using couple expletives. My sister-in-law reasoned with him to call the branch where we bought it but he was not listening. She kept pleading with him to call the store and eventually he gave in. They confirmed the purchase and he told us to get our exchange and bring the one with the detector and he'll remove it. I felt pacified.By this time the cops arrived. They spoke to him but I could not hear what he told them. They approached me and asked me what's the problem. I explained and they asked him if I have my receipt and he said yes. They told him to remove the detector. Then the cops did a 360 and asked him about store policy and he gave them an indecisive answer. The cops then asked me for my receipt and then he told me the receipt does not have the said item on it so go back to where ever I bought it. I told him it was unfair for him to say that because it is the receipt I was given when I purchased the items and I did not print the receipt myself. I was not disrespectful to the cop at all. He told me I have two choices either I leave or he'll have to cuff me and take me down. I asked him what he will cuff me for? He said something about trespassing. Since i am generally a peaceful person, who have never in my 37 yrs been in any sort of trouble with the law I just had to leave or else be arrested. I told the guy and the cops I will not leave it like this, I will seek legal counsel and they told me in a sarcastic tone that I can do whatever I want. I felt victimised, discriminated, and wronged. I left and walked couple blocks down Flatbush and ran into another Vim, 833 to be exact. I went in there, explained about the alarm to the manager and all he did was ask me for my receipt, called st Johns, reported that the cashier failed to remove the detector and he removed the detector. I'm happy that it was finally settled so easily but the embarassment of feeling like a thief and the fact that 2 cars of police had to come and then threaten to arrest me as though I was thrashing the place or threatening someone, is beyond me. Makes me feel slavery days are far from over. Help!!!
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