The peak body representing New Zealand’s retail sector
says retailers are on edge after the passing of the
citizen’s arrest provisions in the Crimes Amendment Bill
today.
Retail NZ advocated strongly against the
expansion of citizen’s arrest laws, which 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.
“Retailers are
deeply concerned about this new legislation, which will put
their staff and customers at greater risk of harm,” Retail
NZ Chief Executive, Carolyn Young, says.
“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. 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,” Ms Young
says.
Ms Young says while Retail NZ members say they
will prohibit their staff from undertaking citizen’s
arrests on their premises, 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. 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.”
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“We have been asking for guidance since the Bil
passed its second reading, and while Minister Goldsmith has
said Police are working on it, it’s deeply 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,” Ms Young
says.
Retail NZ is supporting its members as best it
can to prepare for the law change, but Ms Young says
official direction is
needed.