Couple takes pics of their grandkids; banned from shopping centre, branded terrorists

***Jolie77*** · 01-03-2008, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Couple banned for life from shopping centre and branded 'terrorists' - for taking photos of their grandchildren.

A couple were banned for life from a shopping centre - because they were taking photos of their beloved grandchildren.

Kim and Trevor Sparshott were ordered to stop taking photos because they were causing a security threat.

They were thrown out of the centre after they took out a camera to snap the look on the youngsters' faces when they turned up unexpectedly.

Barred for life: Grandparents Kim and Trevor Sparshott were banned from a shopping centre for taking photos of their grandchildren

The couple were on a four-day break from their home in Spain and wanted to surprise their family by arriving at the centre, in Fareham, Hants, while they were shopping.

But when they went to take a photo, a security guard pounced and ordered them out.

The guard then insisted that cameras were banned because of the risk of a terrorist attack - and barred the bemused couple for life.

Speaking from her home in Malaga, Spain, Mrs Sparshott, 51, said: "I couldn't believe it. I was so shocked.

"He said we had committed an act of terrorism.

"At first I wanted the ground to swallow me up whole because it was so embarassing - but then I got really angry."

Mr Sparshott, 52, added: "Instead of being a nice surprise for our family it turned into a nightmare. I was furious.

"In these worrying times we understand the need for caution, but surely a quiet word when he first saw us would have stopped all this unpleasantness."

The couple, who had been visiting their daughter, who lives in Gosport, Hants, with her husband and children, returned to Spain in shock.

They wrote a letter of complaint to the centre, and received a reply from manager Pam Gillard who said taking photos was a security risk.

In the reply to the Sparshotts, Ms Gillard said: "By the sounds of it my officers/duty manager didn't explain the position very clearly and for that I apologise."

Speaking after the incident, she added: "Fareham Shopping Centre is private property and has a policy to support the security of the shops, where the taking of photographs needs prior permission.

"The Sparshotts are welcome back to the centre."

Ms Gillard refused to comment further on the centre's security policies, but added that the camera ban was not because of a terrorist threat.

The situation has amazed civil rights campaigners, who say the centre's reaction was 'completely over the top'.

Roger Smith, director of civil liberties group Justice, said: "The key is proportionality - it is quite reasonable to have restrictions on what people can do, but this is just daft.

"It seems completely over the top."

Couple banned for life from shopping centre and branded 'terrorists' - for taking photos of their grandchildren | the Daily Mail

How is this possible? I can understand why there's some concern about the security but come on, the kids were there and they were going out as a family to enjoy their time together. This is another 'over the top' incident that needs to be looked at.

Oceanblue7 · 01-03-2008, 11:39 PM

It is over the top story, it does state that centre is private property if so, they need to post sign of some sort to let people know no camera and no videotapping in that mall before making any kind of accussation.

***VamPyroX*** · 01-04-2008, 12:10 AM

I read about this earlier today. That's crazy!

I heard they're considering the same thing here in the United States.

sara1981 · 01-04-2008, 12:49 AM

that true!

in Britian and Spain have terror dues reason like have bomb what happened but in Madrid,Spain got bomb almost 3 years but its 2004 and also London,England have bomb also dues summer 2005 for security reasons they cant taking pics inside dues security reasons.

but almost killed the royals in Britian and Spain that no jokes! im sure the police and armed guards would protect the royals all the times 24/7 that the truth and also monarchy like King and Queen need more serious protect all the times.

if im going to England again visit my boyfriend who lives in London,England and my fears would have another bomb again but i need safety myself when im visit England again for my vacation.

Liebling:-))) · 01-04-2008, 01:19 AM

Oh my dear

*sigh*

It didn´t written in article that they did have sign "no camera or no film"?

We have sign "no camera and no film" in some well-known malls here in Germany. We read the some sign "no camera or no film" before enter shopping mall. We can´t do anything to ignore their rules because this is their rules, not my rules.

MilitaryGirl83 · 01-07-2008, 10:50 AM

I agree with what y'all are saying.. when I was reading, I was like, "WTH?!?" It's sad, unfortunely!

mydeafnet · 01-07-2008, 11:20 AM

as if the world has nothing else to do.... so sad!!!!

~*Kaelei*~ · 01-08-2008, 06:58 PM

That's insane! But on other hand, I can understand for their reasons.

LakeTahoe · 01-08-2008, 07:06 PM

That's insane!

Now more and more not safe..uggghhh!

I hope USA don't copy cat cuz I take camera to the mall only at Christmas and Easter time. I don't want to pay fortune for the pictures!

Banjo · 01-08-2008, 07:14 PM

All I can say is that it's RIDICULOUS!

Security taken to a new level. Soon, we'll all be suffocated.

Wokamuka · 01-08-2008, 07:24 PM

Another victim of the ever-so-present Culture of Fear

moonflower · 01-08-2008, 08:14 PM

that is insane smh

webexplorer · 01-08-2008, 09:13 PM

That is so dumb policy. They should bring their camera if they want to. They probably would not able to buy a camera in the mall.

If there is a terrorist, somebody has to take a picture of the killer's face when the security camera is not working or he shot the security cameras. Without a camera, the police might have caught the wrong person. They are really poor intelligent.

Berry · 01-08-2008, 09:30 PM

How is a camera a security risk?

How is taking pictures related to a threat?

Cell phones have cameras. So next no cell phones? If you get in trouble you can't call for help?

The answer should be simple, refuse to shop in any place so stupid. They think they are so important to us that we are depressed if we can't shop in their great place -- If no one shops there they won't have a place.

But maybe I speak out of turn. Perhaps boycotting is now a terrorist act and we have to shop those malls in order to prove we are a loyal consumer.

GalaxyAngel · 01-08-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

All I can say is that it's RIDICULOUS!

Security taken to a new level. Soon, we'll all be suffocated.

I second w/you..

Seems increased more securities!

01-03-2008, 11:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Oceanblue7 My Lucky dog Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: back yard Posts: 3,555 Blog Entries: 4	It is over the top story, it does state that centre is private property if so, they need to post sign of some sort to let people know no camera and no videotapping in that mall before making any kind of accussation. __________________ All year round Patriots Gal Ps.103:12 He washes our sins away into the ocean

01-04-2008, 12:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
*VamPyroX* bloody phreak from hell Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hell Posts: 25,902	I read about this earlier today. That's crazy! I heard they're considering the same thing here in the United States. __________________ Check out my city... CLICK HERE! (If you already visited yesterday, visit again today!)

01-04-2008, 12:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
sara1981 Batista's Fans Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Little Rock,Ar Posts: 2,667	that true! in Britian and Spain have terror dues reason like have bomb what happened but in Madrid,Spain got bomb almost 3 years but its 2004 and also London,England have bomb also dues summer 2005 for security reasons they cant taking pics inside dues security reasons. but almost killed the royals in Britian and Spain that no jokes! im sure the police and armed guards would protect the royals all the times 24/7 that the truth and also monarchy like King and Queen need more serious protect all the times. if im going to England again visit my boyfriend who lives in London,England and my fears would have another bomb again but i need safety myself when im visit England again for my vacation. __________________

01-04-2008, 01:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) Hiiiiiii it's meeeeee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 24,153	Oh my dear sigh It didn´t written in article that they did have sign "no camera or no film"? We have sign "no camera and no film" in some well-known malls here in Germany. We read the some sign "no camera or no film" before enter shopping mall. We can´t do anything to ignore their rules because this is their rules, not my rules. __________________ sniffing you

01-07-2008, 10:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
MilitaryGirl83 ~I support our troops~ Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: My heart belongs to the beach~ Posts: 3,548	I agree with what y'all are saying.. when I was reading, I was like, "WTH?!?" It's sad, unfortunely! __________________ ~My Heart is taken by a soldier~ <3 <3 <3

Today
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01-07-2008, 11:20 AM	#7 (permalink)
mydeafnet just opened site..... Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 9	as if the world has nothing else to do.... so sad!!!! __________________ Kimberly Cawthon www.mydeafnet.com www.diethelp4you.com http://kimhasit.myworlddiscounts.com/

01-08-2008, 06:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
~Kaelei~ Slytherin Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 132	That's insane! But on other hand, I can understand for their reasons. __________________ Kaelei: Mother to Tristan Riley 1/6/06 and Wife to Preston 3/28/05

01-08-2008, 07:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
LakeTahoe ~~SUMMER!!!~~ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost somewhere on the Earth! Posts: 11,615	That's insane! Now more and more not safe..uggghhh! I hope USA don't copy cat cuz I take camera to the mall only at Christmas and Easter time. I don't want to pay fortune for the pictures! __________________ My fairy name is Bramble Elfglitter LakeTahoe

01-08-2008, 07:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
Banjo Mr. Movie Guy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,834 Blog Entries: 1	All I can say is that it's RIDICULOUS! Security taken to a new level. Soon, we'll all be suffocated.

01-08-2008, 07:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
Wokamuka 1.20.09 : end of an error Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 911	Another victim of the ever-so-present Culture of Fear __________________

01-08-2008, 08:14 PM	#12 (permalink)
moonflower a Stargate Fan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Washtenaw County Michigan Posts: 4,445	that is insane smh __________________

01-08-2008, 09:13 PM	#13 (permalink)
webexplorer I'm listening to everyone Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New England Posts: 3,140	That is so dumb policy. They should bring their camera if they want to. They probably would not able to buy a camera in the mall. If there is a terrorist, somebody has to take a picture of the killer's face when the security camera is not working or he shot the security cameras. Without a camera, the police might have caught the wrong person. They are really poor intelligent.

01-08-2008, 09:30 PM	#14 (permalink)
Berry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 127	How is a camera a security risk? How is taking pictures related to a threat? Cell phones have cameras. So next no cell phones? If you get in trouble you can't call for help? The answer should be simple, refuse to shop in any place so stupid. They think they are so important to us that we are depressed if we can't shop in their great place -- If no one shops there they won't have a place. But maybe I speak out of turn. Perhaps boycotting is now a terrorist act and we have to shop those malls in order to prove we are a loyal consumer.

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