Did we really need more proof that everything is being recorded?
I'm not 100% certain what to make of this. Is this excessive force? A couple of rent-a-cops just doing their jobs? Mall security having trouble with a take-down?
I don't know the full story, but I do know that the holiday season is a madhouse at LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) stores with everyone and their mother stocking up on drink. Now, if you are not from Ontario, you should know that the LCBO is the only place you can buy alcohol and one has to assume that theft is a big problem this time of year (UPDATE: I forgot to mention the person in the video is alledged to have stolen a 26oz bottle of something). For the most part, even though crowds are large, they always manage an orderly and pleasant experience with knowledgeable staff.
It is a bit unfair to the nice folks at the LCBO that this kind of publicty has their logo all over it. They have built a world-class brand over the past several years and it is a shame this may tarnish it somewhat. Any thoughts?
At last count, it had been viewed 76,000 times.There are also loads of comments on YouTube surrounding this video.
Technorati Tags: LCBO YouTube Mall Security Shoplifiting
That's nuts.
what did he do?
I believe he stole a 26oz bottle of something.
I've seen this and worse at the Eaton Center with security. However, what bothers me isn't the way they are treating the guy, he's resiting arrest after all, but the lack of anyone calling the cops or doing anything for that matter but stand around and gawk. This is typical in Toronto time and time again, and I think it says a lot about our city. People rather stand around and look then actually get up and do something to help.
Asking if they are cops or asking why the guys is getting arrested isn't doing anything as well as asking to have the guys "rights" read to him. I'm not sure if what they did was legal at all and I'm pretty sure it wasn't unless they saw you actually take something and even then I don't think security and or rent-a-cops are allow to touch you. But what should have been done and they asked for it, was to call the cops. So regardless if this was legal or not the cops can come by and sort it out, but it seemed like no one cared to actually do anything but talk and get in the way.
Lastly, I don't see this hurting LCBO, it's going to happen and there is not much they can do about it but try and stop theft. I would look into the matter and see if what they did was legal or not. Otherwise making sure everyone in the LCBO family knows the law and what they can and can't do, so when it's caught on camera, they have their asses covered.
Ok, here is my undergrad in Psych coming back in context. It is called the "Bystander Effect" when no one in the crowd takes on the responsible action of calling the police or getting help. It reminds me of that stupid TV show "When Animals Attact" - eveyone is too busy filming the poor sod who is being attacted and doesn't think to drop the camcorder and do what needs to be done!
I agree with your comments Duane - I'm sure the dude with the camera phone filiming the scene had the capability to dial-out .
Who knows if this guy who commited a crime by stealing something may now have a case on his hands where he could sue for assualt or whatever. What I do know is that, as usual, the gawkeronlookers seemed and were useless.
Thanks for dropping by.
No problem Michael. I've enjoyed reading the blog. Keep it up.