The Government is clamping down on retail crime by giving businesses more powers to detain those stealing from them, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say.
“Retail crime increased 85 per cent between 2019 and 2023, including a 91 per cent increase in victimisations relating to theft,” Mr Goldsmith says.
An 85% increase in just four years!
“Currently, no one, including retailers and security guards, is protected from civil or criminal liability if they arrest and detain a person stealing goods valued at less than $1,000 during the day. The operation of the Crimes Act 1961 hinders people from stopping offending as it occurs right in front of them.
An unworkable law.
- Amending the Crimes Act so that citizens can intervene to stop any Crimes Act offence at any time of the day.
- 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.
Hopefully this law change will get support from all political parties.
David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders.
1 comment:
Here's a wee story: In Australia circa the mid 90's myself and another chap caught a car thief in the act. The other chap bravely dived into the car and took the skeleton keys the guy had from the ignition. and stood by the driver's door. I was on the other side. The thief decided he would attempt an escape via my side. Being ex-military, I did not touch him but shouted loudly that he should stay put. He complied but I'm sure he soiled himself. Another chap approached and looked like he wanted to get between me and the thief, I suspected he was an accomplice, so I simple barred his way and suggested that maybe he wanted to be arrested too. He fled. The Police arrived and carted the thief away. I said to the cop, guess you don't need me and he smiled and agreed, so I left. Later that night on the TV, I saw the same thief had been arrested driving the wrong way on the SE Freeway in SA. Yes, he had been bailed and reoffended that same day! Would I bother doing it again, go figure.
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