Businesses could soon have broader powers to detain suspected offenders after legislation expanding citizens’ arrest powers reached its final stage in Parliament.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the Government’s Crimes Act Amendment Bill is scheduled to begin its third reading this week, with the changes expected to come into force within a week of receiving Royal Assent.
The bill would allow members of the public to intervene and arrest someone committing any offence under the Crimes Act at any time of day. Current citizens’ arrest provisions are more limited, including restrictions that apply to some lower-value theft offences during daytime hours.
Under the proposed changes, anyone making a citizen’s arrest would be required to contact Police and follow their instructions. The legislation also clarifies that reasonable restraints and reasonable force may be used when making an arrest or defending property.
Goldsmith said the reforms are intended to address the impact of retail crime on businesses.
“The economic cost of retail crime in New Zealand is in the billions. Retailers and security guards face abuse and assault that no New Zealander should be subjected to.”
He said the Government wanted to ensure retailers were better protected and offenders faced stronger consequences.
Beyond retail crime, the bill introduces new offences for assaulting first responders and front-line corrections workers, creates three new “coward punch” offences, establishes a shoplifting infringement regime, and strengthens laws targeting human trafficking and people smuggling.
Goldsmith said the Government had committed to passing the legislation before the next election and expected the new measures to take effect shortly after the bill becomes law.
At least they’ve put the knives away
Higher prices higher crime
These people need to be trespassed
They are just magnifying the misery and suffering being experienced through higher prices not just food for the afflicted and downtrodden
If people cannot enter a store or retail outlet
Cannot enter a town
To purchase food fuel services whatever
They may think twice about about the repercussions and consequences in carrying out these crimes against society
That they need to be isolated and separated from
Maybe transport to Australia would be a better idea
The police and courts have abdicated their tax-payer funded obligations and put the onus on private individuals.
Fine by me. I have many shovels