Retailers and members of the public will soon have more power to detain and apprehend shoplifters after the new and improved citizens arrest power move comes into play.
The government is expected today to announce a range of new changes aimed at stopping the rising rates in retail theft,
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee will detail their intention to amend the Crimes Act 1961 to make it easier for retail staff and members of the public to make citizen’s arrests.
Under the current law, making a citizen’s arrest can only occur at night between the hours of 9pm and 6am.
It also states that an arrest can be made by anyone if the offender is committing a crime where the maximum punishment was at least three years in prison.
It is also understood the value of the item being stolen had to be worth at least $1000.
The new changes are intended to let shop owners and security guards prevent theft from leaving the store with stolen goods without the risk of being charged for using force.
The proposed changes are expected to come into play this year and wouldn’t have age restrictions and would not require a minimum price for the stolen goods before a citizen’s arrest could be made.
The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey showed there had been a 12% increase in “theft and related offences” at retail premises between 2023 and 2024.
In a statement, Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell acknowledged the Government had “more work to do” to combat retail crime.
Photo Credit: RNZ
