New laws may bring Increased Risks and the Need for Professional Security Services
The New Zealand Government is making significant changes to the Crimes Act to strengthen citizen’s arrest laws. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith recently announced that all citizens, including retail staff and security guards, will have more power to detain shoplifters at any time of the day, regardless of the value of the stolen goods. This change is intended to address the alarming rise in retail crime, which has placed both business owners and employees in vulnerable situations.
While these changes may provide retailers with more legal protection when stopping thieves, they also raise serious concerns about safety, liability, and the potential escalation of violence. In light of these developments, professional security services like Northern District Security are becoming increasingly vital for businesses in Northland.
What Do the Changes Mean for Retailers?
Under current laws, citizen’s arrests can only be made at night (between 9 PM and 6 AM) and only if the stolen goods exceed $1,000 in value. The new legislation will remove these restrictions, allowing store employees, business owners, and even members of the public to detain offenders at any time, regardless of the value of the stolen goods.
Additionally, the law will clarify the use of “reasonable force,” ensuring that citizens understand what level of restraint is legally acceptable when making an arrest. While the government insists that the changes will deter criminals and empower retailers, there are concerns about how these confrontations will unfold in real-life situations.
Increased Risks and the Need for Professional Security Services
While empowering retailers may sound like a step in the right direction, there are real dangers associated with these new citizen’s arrest powers. Goldsmith himself acknowledged that there is a risk that criminals may begin carrying weapons or using greater force when confronted. This raises critical concerns about the safety of store employees and customers.
Retail theft often involves individuals who may be desperate, aggressive, or even involved in organized crime groups. Without proper training, store owners and employees may find themselves in dangerous situations. While the new laws provide a legal framework for detaining shoplifters, they do not guarantee safety during an arrest. This is where professional security services like Northern District Security become essential.
The Role of Northern District Security in Protecting Retailers
Retail security is about more than just catching shoplifters—it’s about preventing crime before it happens and ensuring that confrontations do not escalate into violence. Northern District Security offers trained professionals who understand how to handle theft incidents safely and efficiently. Here’s how security guards can help in light of the new citizen’s arrest laws:
- Trained Security Professionals: Northern District Security personnel are trained in conflict de-escalation and legal procedures. They know how to handle incidents in a way that minimizes risk to themselves, store employees, and customers.
- Legal Knowledge and Compliance: Security guards understand the nuances of the law and can ensure that any citizen’s arrest is conducted in accordance with legal guidelines. This reduces the risk of legal liability for business owners.
- Deterrence: The mere presence of a professional security guard can discourage potential criminals from targeting a store, reducing the likelihood of theft before it even occurs.
- Emergency Response: In the event of a violent confrontation, security guards are equipped to handle the situation, ensuring that staff and customers remain safe while awaiting police intervention.
Why Retailers in Northland Need to Act Now
Retail crime has been on the rise in New Zealand, with theft and related offenses increasing by 12% between 2023 and 2024. Given these alarming statistics, it is crucial for Northland retailers to take proactive measures. Relying solely on citizen’s arrest laws may not be enough—businesses need a comprehensive security strategy that includes professional security services.
With the introduction of these new laws, now is the time to consider hiring trained security personnel to protect your business. Not only does this ensure compliance with legal changes, but it also provides a much-needed layer of protection for employees, customers, and property.
Northern Districts Security, protecting Northland retail
While the government’s new citizen’s arrest laws aim to empower retailers, they also introduce new risks that must be carefully managed. Business owners should be cautious about engaging in direct confrontations with criminals without proper training. Instead, partnering with a trusted security provider like Northern District Security can help ensure that theft prevention and intervention are handled professionally and safely.
As retail crime continues to be a serious issue in Northland and across New Zealand, investing in professional security services is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Contact Northern District Security today to learn how we can help protect your business in this changing legal landscape.
