Government to expand citizen's arrest powers to combat retail theft

Wednesday 26 February 2025 · 7 outlets · 6 reports · updated Wed 26 Feb 2025, 3:40pm

In this story Paul Goldsmith, Nicole McKee

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is set to announce changes to citizen's arrest laws to help retailers deal with shoplifting. The reforms aim to allow reasonable force without age or value limitations. However, police and industry groups have raised concerns regarding safety risks and potential vigilante action.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZWed 26 Feb 2025, 8:56am

   Expanded citizen's arrest powers to be announced (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesWed 26 Feb 2025, 9:54am

   'Grave concerns' over new citizen's arrest powers (opens in new tab)

   • Govt to announce expanded citizen's arrest powers (opens in new tab) Wed 26 Feb 2025, 9:54am
3. NZ HeraldWed 26 Feb 2025, 1:52pm

   Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announces new citizens’ arrest powers (opens in new tab)

4. StuffWed 26 Feb 2025, 1:55pm

   Watch live: Government announces greater powers for businesses to deal with retail crime (opens in new tab)

5. Waikato Times via The PostWed 26 Feb 2025, 3:40pm

   ‘Huge safety risks’: Police warn against expanding citizen’s arrest powers (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)