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Wow, many thoughts after making it through the entire thread. Quite a long one, and interesting to see the differing views. Of course, now I'm going to be lengthy trying to fit all my thoughts into my response. 
I'll start with saying this: while I understand not wanting to leave your things for fear of theft or leaving medical supplies, I also feel like this is an instance where an ounce of preparation solves all those issues. My dad is diabetic, but he keeps his supplies in a small pouch that he'd be allowed to hang onto. And I have never been into a store that would ask you to leave your purse, unless the purse was the size of a tote bag - and when I carry a purse that big, the important/stealable stuff is usually in a small wallet/bag inside of it, so I could just pull that out. I usually carry too much stuff (a book, gum, lip gloss, hand lotion, a bottle o' pills, etc) in my purse, but I wouldn't be terribly worried about anything other than my actual wallet disappearing. (I keep my keys and phone in my pockets, generally)
Personally, I don't take offense at any policy that, as at least one poster put it so well, cannot assume I'm not a shoplifter. I am not a shoplifter, and I know that, so I have nothing to worry about. Store policy is store policy, and as many have said, if it really bothers them that much, they may as well go elsewhere for a better experience. Again, personally, I just don't see the point in being bothered by it - but I tend to not be real concerned with other people's opinions/false assumptions.
I know some people have said that they much prefer stores having LP, as opposed to asking you leave your bags, as it seems "lazy" or "invasive." In my eyes, it seems more effective - I can't possibly put anything in my bag, therefore no one will have any reason to go into it, whereas if I did something "suspicious" I'd have to deal with LP. Also, chances are LP isn't going to see everything that people do - and at least taking big bags out of the equation means the size/quantity of things being stolen will decrease.
Finally, I agree with people who've mentioned that it would be helpful if lockers were provided, or security/cameras were present to keep an eye on the bags. It also would help if tickets were used, so you couldn't claim your bag without having your ticket, or at the very least, identifying the contents - that would at least reduce any theft by non-employees. Much the same way I won't use a coat check if I don't get a little ticket and see that my coat is being put somewhere safe, I would be a lot happier about leaving my bag if I felt it would be safe, and not out in the open for anyone to rifle through. While I'm sure it's possible and I'm pretty sure I've seen stores where they simply put up signs stating that they're not responsible/liable for your stuff but ask you too leave it anyways, I think the policy itself would go over much better if the owner took a few simple steps to make it feel safe and well thought out.
I'll start with saying this: while I understand not wanting to leave your things for fear of theft or leaving medical supplies, I also feel like this is an instance where an ounce of preparation solves all those issues. My dad is diabetic, but he keeps his supplies in a small pouch that he'd be allowed to hang onto. And I have never been into a store that would ask you to leave your purse, unless the purse was the size of a tote bag - and when I carry a purse that big, the important/stealable stuff is usually in a small wallet/bag inside of it, so I could just pull that out. I usually carry too much stuff (a book, gum, lip gloss, hand lotion, a bottle o' pills, etc) in my purse, but I wouldn't be terribly worried about anything other than my actual wallet disappearing. (I keep my keys and phone in my pockets, generally)
Personally, I don't take offense at any policy that, as at least one poster put it so well, cannot assume I'm not a shoplifter. I am not a shoplifter, and I know that, so I have nothing to worry about. Store policy is store policy, and as many have said, if it really bothers them that much, they may as well go elsewhere for a better experience. Again, personally, I just don't see the point in being bothered by it - but I tend to not be real concerned with other people's opinions/false assumptions.
I know some people have said that they much prefer stores having LP, as opposed to asking you leave your bags, as it seems "lazy" or "invasive." In my eyes, it seems more effective - I can't possibly put anything in my bag, therefore no one will have any reason to go into it, whereas if I did something "suspicious" I'd have to deal with LP. Also, chances are LP isn't going to see everything that people do - and at least taking big bags out of the equation means the size/quantity of things being stolen will decrease.
Finally, I agree with people who've mentioned that it would be helpful if lockers were provided, or security/cameras were present to keep an eye on the bags. It also would help if tickets were used, so you couldn't claim your bag without having your ticket, or at the very least, identifying the contents - that would at least reduce any theft by non-employees. Much the same way I won't use a coat check if I don't get a little ticket and see that my coat is being put somewhere safe, I would be a lot happier about leaving my bag if I felt it would be safe, and not out in the open for anyone to rifle through. While I'm sure it's possible and I'm pretty sure I've seen stores where they simply put up signs stating that they're not responsible/liable for your stuff but ask you too leave it anyways, I think the policy itself would go over much better if the owner took a few simple steps to make it feel safe and well thought out.
). Most airlines have been limiting carry-ons to one only, excluding purses/handbags. Generally, women's purses/handbags are seen on par with men's wallets.
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