Opinion is divided over bag searches at shopping mall
PUBLIC opinion has been divided over a shopping centre’s decision to i ntroduce ‘random’ bag searches.
Silverburn Shopping Centre, in Pollok, announced last week that it was introducing “random cursory bag searches” for customers.
News of the searches, which are carried out by security staff, was met by a mixed reaction from the public.
Evening Times readers took to our website to share their views on the increased security measure with some claiming that it could been seen as racist while others suggested that it was unlawful.
Kenny Hill said: “So it’s just like police stop and search? Just people with bags? What if a bomber is wearing a bomb vest under a jacket and has no bag? Pointless exercise.
“Leave security to the proper authorities....the police.”
Frank Logan commented: “I don’t think it’s fair. It would seem that this particular shopping centre is being selective as it has a larger than usual Asian clientele and therefore discriminatory.”
The question of who exactly would be searched was raised by a number of readers.
Joan Bining said: “I think this could see certain people targeted so no I don’t agree with this and would not like to be have my bag searched.
“I visit the centre most days and this would put me off going even if I have nothing to hide.”
Other readers said that they would be more than happy to comply with the searches after recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.
Karen Whyte commented: “After what happened in Manchester/ London, no I don’t think having bags checked is wrong. It doesn’t matter your religion /colour we are all human so if this protects us then think Silverburn has right attitude.”
Linda Milliken added: “I stay a 10-minute walk from Silverburn and I’ve been a bit nervous going due to the terror attacks. I think this is necessary to ease fears.”
Olivia Drennan questioned whether the searches by Silverburn security staff were legal.
She commented: “Clearly Silverburn aren’t aware that the only people who can legally search bags in Scotland are the police, and they must have clear grounds for a mandatory search.
“This is a shocking overreaction which will do nothing to keep us safer and everything to breed resentment within the groups of people (young, ethnic minority, poor. which they will no doubt (illegally) target.
A spokeswoman for Silverburn Shopping Centre confirmed that bag searches are still ongoing and will reviewed on a weekly basis.
She added: “We would like to make customers aware the centre is operating random cursory bag searches and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
“It is important to note that this measure does not relate to any specific threat, but is part of our enhanced security procedures following recent events. The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our number one priority.
“Customers should remain alert but not alarmed, and should report anything suspicious to the police.”
The UK terror threat level remains at ‘severe’ following attacks in London and Manchester in recent weeks.