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New citizen’s arrest powers to be announced amid rise in retail theft

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee will detail amendments to the Crimes Act 1961, allowing easier citizen's arrests amid rising retail theft.
The current law allows citizen's arrests only at night and for crimes punishable by at least three years in prison.
Goldsmith stated, "We need to have some better tools available to retailers dealing with people walking out of their shops without paying for things."
Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young expressed concern over escalating violence, stating, "We have grave concerns about proposals to empower people to physically restrain or physically engage with offenders.

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The Spinoff

Lean Left

Retailers split on controversial citizen’s arrest plans

While some shopkeepers are welcoming the expanded power to detain thieves, others say it could get someone killed, writes Catherine McGregor in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Retailers to get new powers of arrest The government will amend the Crimes Act to give people greater powers to detain thieves, following the recommendation of some members of a ministerial advisory group on re…

1 month ago·New Zealand

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scoop.co.nz

Lean Left

Govt Abandons Retailers With Citizen’s Arrests

Turning New Zealand into the wild west is not a crime prevention strategy, it’s dangerous and goes against our values as New Zealanders, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said.

1 month ago·Wellington, New Zealand

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RNZ

Center

Expanded citizen's arrest powers to be announced

The industry lobby group fears the government's plan to widen powers will see more violence against staff who "don't go to work to do law enforcement".

1 month ago·New Zealand

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NZ Herald

Center

New citizen’s arrest powers to be announced amid rise in retail theft

Retailers and members of the public will soon have more ability to detain shoplifters and thieves under beefed-up citizen’s arrest powers , the Herald...

1 month ago·Auckland, New Zealand

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Talking Retail

Nisa welcomes standalone offence for assaulting a shopworker

The Crime and Policing Bill, laid in Parliament this week set out a range of measures aimed at empowering police forces and tackling crime including shoplifting and assaulting shopworkers. The measures have been well received throughout the retail industry with the latter being a highlight… This story continues at Nisa welcomes standalone offence for assaulting a shopworker Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail

1 month ago

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Daily Telegraph NZ

Government expands business powers to detain shoplifters amid retail crime surge - Daily Telegraph NZ

Stock photo. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced legislative changes granting businesses broader authority to detain shoplifters, allowing citizens to intervene in Crimes Act offences at any time, use reasonable force when necessary, and mandating police contact during arrests. The move, part of a $1.8 million-per-year retail crime initiative, aims to curb rising theft and violence against retail workers but has sparked concerns about …

1 month ago

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