But concerns raised about employee safety: 'It is extremely dangerous'
Retailers across New Zealand will be granted the authority to detain individuals who are stealing from their business under new reforms introduced by the government.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said they are introducing reforms that will amend the Crimes Act so individuals, including retailers, can intervene to stop any Crimes Act offence at any time of the day. According to the minister, the raft of reforms also include:
Requiring that a person making an arrest contact police and follow police instructions.
Clarifying that restraints can be used, when reasonable, when making an arrest.
Changing the defence of property provisions to the Crimes Act so it is clear that reasonable force may be used.
"This initial package of reforms, put forward by the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime, will give Kiwi businesses additional tools to deal with those that are robbing them of their livelihood and economic growth," Goldsmith said in a statement.
The reforms come as New Zealand observes an 85% increase in retail crime between 2019 and 2023, including a 91% increase in victimisations relating to theft.
"The economic cost of retail crime in New Zealand is in the billions, and retailers and security guards face abuse and assault that no New Zealander should be subjected to," Goldsmith said.
"This government will ensure that people working in the retail sector are being effectively protected, are empowered to stop offending, and that offenders are caught and deterred from future offending."
But Retail NZ said most of their members are against the government's proposal.
Carlyn Young, chief executive of Retail NZ, said they cannot condone the practice of retail workers putting themselves into dangerous and volatile positions.
"This is extremely dangerous - people will get hurt or even killed. Frontline retail workers, who are often young people in their first job, do not go to work to do law enforcement," Young said in a statement.
According to Young, a great majority of Retail NZ members have agreed that only police should have the powers to detain offenders.
"Retail NZ's focus remains on training retail workers and security personnel in prevention and de-escalation," Young said.
"We understand that all retailers are frustrated with the level of crime in their stores. However, we believe that preventative measures, alongside the ability to recover goods and effective trespass laws, will be more effective and safer for workers."
Various retailers across New Zealand have been taking steps to curb retail crime in their workplaces.
Foodstuffs North Island recently trialled facial recognition technology in some of its stores, which saw serious and harmful behaviour reduced by an estimated 16%.
A Woolworths store in Auckland also had to adjust its working hours to reduce the potential for "anti-social behaviour."
