I POPPED into Tesco in Kidderminster on Friday evening to buy a few groceries and while standing in line with my goods on the conveyor the woman behind me informed the cashier that her purse had been stolen.

She was advised to go to the information desk and report the loss.

On my way out of the shop, having packed and paid for my shopping, I was stopped by two security personnel and required to go with them.

No reason was given but to my extreme embarrassment I was led through the length of a busy shop floor to an interview room where the woman reporting a stolen purse was waiting.

I was asked to turn out my pockets. Informing security I had nothing to hide I turned over my denim jacket, whereby they proceeded to search it, my shopping and myself. Clearly the woman felt I had her purse.

From my point of view I was suspected purely on my appearance, a point I made and received no denials from all concerned. Fresh out of the shower I had dried but not tied back my long hair, dressed in jeans, tee-shirt and denim jacket, displaying the patches denoting the motorcycle club to which I belong.

On returning home I had just finished relating this disturbing occurrence to my wife when one of the security men phoned to inform me that the woman had found her purse on the seat of her car. It was only at this point that I was informed that the security personnel only have the authority to investigate witnessed theft of Tesco products, not additional incidents witnessed or imagined.

I still await a personal apology from my accuser and feel justified in suggesting to the woman concerned that the car seat is hardly the safest place to leave valuables as countless crime prevention campaigns have advised.

I would also suggest that she examine her own movements and prejudices before accusing innocent people of unsubstantiated crimes and slights.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED