Mother's tears at Littlehampton Tesco shopping row

The woman, who has asked not to be named, said she was accused of shoplifting while at Tesco, Broadpiece, because she was using the tray under her buggy to store her items when no appropriate trolleys were available.

"I have a 10-week-old baby and a two-year-old toddler, and went to the shop just to get a few bits.

"Because there were no trolleys, I got out my very large buggy.

"It is really difficult to steer with one hand, so I used the basket underneath.

Challenged

"A security guard came up to me, and said in a voice loud enough for everyone around to hear, that he has been watching me, and said that I could be trying to steal things."

She said that she was then "frog-marched" to the front of the store and told to put the items in a basket, and hang it over the buggy handlebars.

"I did, and then everything in the basket fell onto the floor.

"The guard then just walked off, leaving an elderly gentleman to help me.

Humiliated

"I have never been so humiliated in all my life. I went bright red and started crying at the till."

She added that the trip, on Thursday, September 17, was the first time she had been out of the house in weeks.

"I have been getting really anxious and panicky recently.

"It's hard enough getting out with two young children, and this is just discrimination against mums with kids.

"I have never stolen anything in my life. I am just not like that."

Security

A spokeswoman for Tesco said she appreciated that it could be challenging to shop with babies or small children.

"But, at the same time, we have to take security seriously in our stores.

"Customers are encouraged to use baskets or trolleys when shopping.

"On this occasion, the security guard approached the lady, explaining she would need to use a basket or trolley and fetched her a basket to continue shopping."

The store has apologised for any upset caused.

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