Table of Contents
How do you deal with a suspected shoplifter?
Following these ten steps will ensure that you minimise your risks when making a citizen’s arrest.
- Make sure you see the person take the item.
- Confront the shoplifter.
- Ask the shoplifter to accompany you back to the store office.
- Balance the risks.
- Use reasonable force to detain the shoplifter.
- Call the police.
Can you restrain a shoplifter?
An owner has the legal right to use force in detaining an alleged shoplifter. The shopkeeper’s privilege allows a store owner to use a reasonable amount of nondeadly force on the detainee that is necessary to: protect himself, and. prevent the escape from store property of the particular person being detained.
Can you be prosecuted for shoplifting?
The possible consequences of being caught shoplifting are: A shoplifting conviction means you will have a criminal record. You may be offered a police caution as an alternative to prosecution. However, if you accept, this still counts as a criminal conviction.
What should you do if you lose sight of a shoplifter?
The best approach, if you lose sight of a shoplifter, is to make your presence known to the shoplifter and give them a chance to dump your merchandise and leave your store without a word being said. Sometimes, loss prevention personnel will walk nearby and turn up their mobile radios to alert the shoplifter that they are plain-clothes security.
What should I do if I’m arrested for shoplifting?
Shoplifters can call their attorneys on their own time or from jail. Emergencies of all types should take priority and handled immediately by calling 911.
What information should be included in a shoplifting report?
Reports usually include an in-house loss prevention report that captures all the important identification data like name address, date of birth, social security number of the shoplifter.
What is an example of shoplifting without your knowledge?
When the suspected shoplifter proceeds to the cashier, and without your knowledge, they present all the price tags and pay in full. Another example is when a customer at a grocery store tells the cashier to charge for a carton of cigarettes or a newspaper.