Reply #239: here is what happened to me when I was in college...

[marions ghost]

I was looking at some "designer" glasses frames in an optometrists shop--it was a very large selection so it took awhile to look at them. All of a sudden this tall middle-aged woman came storming from behind the counter and reached inside my heavy winter coat and ran her hands all over my chest. I didn't even know what was going on at first, then she stuck her hands in my pockets. (She would not have done this to a man). When no glasses frames fell out, she raged back to her station, disappointed but still angry. I can still see the look of hate in her eyes. I was traumatised and did report the assault, but as it was nearing exam time I did not have the energy it would take to follow through on prosecution. The police also implied that it would be her word against mine, and she would undoubtedly get off, even though no shoplifting occurred.

No, I don't believe in "vigilante justice."