New Zealand retailers are ringing alarm bells after the passing of citizen’s arrest provisions in the Crimes Amendment Bill this week.
The new amendment will allow any person to restrain someone they believe has committed any offence against the Crimes Act, no matter the scale of the offence, nor the age of the person.
Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says retailers are deeply concerned about this new legislation, adding this will put their staff and customers at greater risk of harm.
“Retail NZ, along with the Police Association and Business NZ, were unequivocal when we submitted to Parliament that allowing citizen’s arrest dramatically increases the likelihood of serious injury, and even death,” Young said. “Having untrained people attempting to arrest and restrain others risks escalating already heightened situations and may encourage offenders to proactively arm up further with weapons.”
Young added that Retail NZ members are prohibiting their staff from undertaking citizen’s arrests on their premises, but said members of the public may still take matters into their own hands.
“Retailers do not have the skills nor facilities to deal with people who have been subject to a citizen’s arrest,” she said.
“There has also been no guidance issued to help retailers prepare for the law change, which has increased anxieties in the sector even further, especially because police are already so stretched they cannot respond to countless instances of retail crime as it is.”
Retail NZ has been asking for guidance since the Bill passed its second reading. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and the Police have said they are working on it, but Young said it’s disappointing this guidance has not been made available with enough time for retailers to prepare their businesses “for what could be a significant change to the retail landscape.”
Minister Goldsmith said the aim of the amendment Bill is to ensure retailers are being effectively protected and are empowered to stop offending.
“Retailers and security guards face abuse and assault that no New Zealander should be subjected to, and we know the economic cost of retail crime is in the billions,” Goldsmith said.
“The Crimes Act Amendment Bill ensures criminals face stronger penalties for retail crime, attacking first responders, coward punches, and dealing in slaves.
“We promised to have this passed into law before the election. We’re delivering. The majority of this legislation will take effect within a week.”