2006-09-17 03:33:16 · 26 answers · asked by grant_hollis_myp 1 in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ London
You got selected because it is a random search and you looked just like random person...next time look less random.
2006-09-17 03:36:43 · answer #1 · answered by Dave 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It used to be the case that Customs officers would work at all points of entry to the UK, making random checks on a set percentage of travellers. This has now stopped with officers being withdrawn from many ports and airports to be replaced by an intelligence led strategy. This basically means that they will stop people where they have reason to believe that something is wrong. This might be for any of the following reasons.
1. Someone reported you looking uneasy or acting suspiciously on the plane or at the depature airport.
2. The X-ray on your hold baggage showed something that looked suspicious.
3. You are returning from a place known for certain types of smuggling.
4. You fit the profile of someone likely to be smuggling in from said place.
5. The Police or other government agency wanted to inconvenience you.
Alternatively individual customs officers knowing that the new methods of detection are failing miserably may have resorted to the old style of random searching.
2006-09-17 04:30:55 · answer #2 · answered by Paul W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a face like that in the picture I think I would have pulled you over also ;)
Our airport is randomly searching everyone.
If you go into the parking area they are searching every car that goes in both inside and out.
I guess they think they will find someone with something.
Don't feel to special because you were randomly picked.
See it as the fact they are at least checking people to make your flight more safe.
2006-09-17 03:39:20 · answer #3 · answered by baby_thumper_girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you rightly guessed there isn't anything too random about it.
Not being able to see you , I will have to guess at the factors involved in choosing you.
You are a young (?) male either travelling alone or as part of a large group of ,lets say, Rugby players?
Where you were travelling from / to comes into play.
How you were dressed. How at ease you looked. Looking slightly nervous is ok , looking too laid back isn't or looking to 'sweaty"
Were you the only single male amongst groups of travellers or lots of girls?
All factors that come into play.
They could have had a tip off for someone looking like you.
Alternately, and more of a bummer..... it could just be that they thought you wouldn't have anything on you as you fit the profile of someone who won't and they wanted an easy target!
It ticks us off I know; but it does pay off in terms of security and deterrence.
However we let our civil liberties slide away at our peril.It is certainly ok to be angry at being chosen.
2006-09-17 03:54:40 · answer #4 · answered by Christine H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's Random meaning that they search every 2nd or 3rd person depending on the day.
2006-09-17 03:41:57 · answer #5 · answered by poohbaby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they don't need a reason. The clue is on the Random bit. Don't worry about it my boyfriend and i have never actually been abroad without being searched. At least they are doing their jobs i guess.
2006-09-17 03:41:40 · answer #6 · answered by meep meep!! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because that's what it is - random. I was last time I flew. Was a bit hacked off as I left my vital pills behind when I repacked my bag.
2006-09-17 06:15:23 · answer #7 · answered by diana - b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know your delimma. Let me play devil's advocate.When I travel alone,no problem.When I travel with my hubby who is black,bald and has a beard we get so many "random"searches we become the hollywood stars of the day
2006-09-17 03:43:03 · answer #8 · answered by JUSEve 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You answered your own question sweety it is random they do it to show discouraged and scare those that are smuggling things through. I have to say I always get checked on every flight I have evr been on, I think I just have one of those faces.
2006-09-17 11:22:25 · answer #9 · answered by Emma O 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have to check a certain amount everyday. You were just one of there random quoter.
Why do you have something to hide!?
2006-09-17 03:41:13 · answer #10 · answered by pinktart2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋