TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) and Eslite (誠品) executives issued public apologies on Monday (March 17) after a mistaken shoplifting report at Eslite 480 (誠品480) in Taichung led to a mother and her two daughters being taken to a police station. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, prompted the mayor to demand improvements and accountability from Eslite and the security company involved.
In a press conference held at City Hall, Mayor Lu expressed profound regret over the incident and disclosed that she had received a detailed 2,000-word complaint from the affected mother. "The failure of Eslite and their security contractors to verify basic facts before leveling serious accusations is very bad," Mayor Lu stated firmly. While acknowledging that police involvement followed proper legal protocols, she conceded that officers could have handled the situation with greater sensitivity. The mayor called for a comprehensive review of procedures to ensure police resources aren't unnecessarily deployed in similar situations.
Representing the bookstore chain, Eslite's Senior Director of Public Affairs, Tseng Hsi-sung (曾喜松), delivered a contrite apology during the same press conference. He attributed the unfortunate incident to an excessive reaction by security personnel who hastily contacted law enforcement without conducting adequate verification. "We are implementing a thorough review of our security protocols and will ensure clearer communication with our contracted security company moving forward," Tseng explained, while also expressing gratitude to the police for their professional response to the call.
Tseng further revealed that Eslite representatives have already established contact with the wrongfully accused mother, who reportedly expressed continued affection for the Eslite 480 location despite her ordeal. According to Tseng, initial conversations between the company and the family have been constructive, with both parties scheduling an in-person meeting later this week to discuss appropriate remedies and ensure such an incident isn't repeated.