New citizen's arrest powers 'putting retail staff in harm's way', Retail NZ says
New Zealand has passed an amendment to the Crimes Act expanding citizen's arrest powers, allowing individuals to detain someone for any offense, including using restraints. While the government intends to combat retail crime, Retail NZ expresses strong concerns that the law will put retail staff and the public in harm's way, as it encourages untrained individuals to confront potentially armed offenders.
Why it matters
This legislative change has significant implications for public safety, law enforcement, and the retail sector, potentially altering how crime is addressed and increasing risks for ordinary citizens and workers.
An amendment to the Crimes Act has passed its final reading in Parliament, but is not being welcomed by retailers.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said most of the changes would take effect within a week, including expanded citizen's arrest powers.
This means members of the public could detain someone for any Crimes Act offence at any time of day.
A person making an arrest would be allowed to use restraints "when reasonable," but is also required to contact police and follow their instructions.
The government said it was aimed at cracking down on retail crime and giving security guards more power to hold thieves.
But Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said the law could do more harm than good.
She said she was concerned that it was not a retail crime prevention tool.
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