I agree Dave. I have often opened a snack for my children while walking around the supermarket and then presented the empty container at the checkout. I have yet to be threatened with arrest for this.

Thanks. Exactly what I wanted.

Again, Thanks all for you responses. Can anyone clarify the point regarding powers of arrest? To what extent can a Store security guard detain (or arrest using his words) a member of the public?

Thanks for your responses. I did think the cans on display were testers as the stock of the item was a few shelves down. ( although on inspection, most of them had been opened). I was more annoyed with his attitude and threat of arrest. Had I not been going on holiday I would of gladly been arrested .

I was recently in a large Boots the Chemist store looking to buy some deodorant. I saw a large display advertising the new flavours of Lynx. As the display only had a few cans of Lynx on it, I assumed they were test cans and proceeded to have a quick "squirt and sniff". Almost immediately (obviously been hoverring) a plain clothed security guard whipped out his ID and, in a pretty threatening manner, informed me that I had just committed a criminal act by breaking the seal and squirting a perfume, and that HE could now arrest me. He didn't arrest me as I was on my way to a crappy week in Centre Parcs (another story). I incidentally baught 2 cans of Lynx, both had already been opened. So, before I write a snotty letter to Boots I was hoping to get my facts straight. 1. What law was he refferring to regarding the Squirt and sniff offence ? 2. What powers of arrest do the security guards have? Thanks