UPDATE: Strathclyde Police have responded to all this and their version of events is quite different. So much so, in fact, that they dispute every aspect of what’s related here.
Hark at this terrorist threat! The photograph above was taken by Chris White at Braehead shopping centre near Glasgow last Friday. It may look an innocent family snap to you because, well, that’s what it is and that’s his daughter in the picture. But that reckons without the blessed vigilance of the staff at this retail-hellhole who, wisely, considered Mr White a threat and duly called in Strathclyde police. The police duly hassled Mr White, reminding him that they were empowered to do so thanks to the provisions of anti-terrorism legislation. Cue much outrage on Facebook and amongst sensible people everywhere. This was not, alas, an uncommon type of incident.
Today the shopping centre has apologised and abandoned its ban on family photography. But not before making an ass of itself. Indeed, the statement they first issues deserves to be quoted in full as a ghastly example of the gawd-help-us dreadfulness of the times and the culture we must endure:
Following various postings on social media websites and stories in the traditional media, Braehead would like to set the record straight on an incident involving a man taking photographs of a child in the centre, on Friday October 7. Retail staff at an ice cream stall in Braehead became suspicious after they saw a male shopper taking photographs of a child sitting at their counter. The staff thought the man had also been taking photographs of them and they alerted one of the centre’s security staff. The member of security staff approached the man and politely asked if he had been taking photographs. At no time in the initial conversation was the member of our security staff informed by the man that the child in question was his daughter. Because of the nature of the incident, police became involved and also spoke to the man. Our priority is always to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all our shoppers and retailers. The member of our security staff acted in good faith. Like most shopping centres, we have a ‘no photography’ policy in the mall for two reasons. First, to protect the privacy of staff and shoppers. as we are sure shoppers would not want strangers taking photographs of them or their children while they were in the mall. Secondly and sadly, we live in a world of potential threats from terrorists and everyone is being urged by the police to be vigilant at all times. It is not uncommon for those intending to make some kind of attack to take photographs of their intended target as part of their planning before the event. However, it is not our intention to – and we do not – stop innocent family members taking pictures. Discretion is used at all times. Although Friday’s incident had nothing to do with a potential terrorist attack, the two retail assistants and the member of our security staff were faced with a situation they genuinely thought was suspicious. They witnessed a man taking photographs of a child, unaware that the man and the child were related. I’m sure people will agree it is better safe than sorry [sic].
Dreadful but not, alas, surprising and a wearisome commentary on the madness of the age. I’d encourage fathers of small children to invade your nearest shopping centre and take as many photographs as it necessary to make your point that up with this kind of thing you will not put.
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