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What would you do if you see someone stealing in the supermarket?
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.
How do you approach a suspected shoplifter?
Confront them – If you decide to confront the suspected shoplifter, approach them when they have exited the premises. According to security expert Chris E McGoey, it’s best to have additional personnel with you when you approach the shoplifter. “A good rule is to outnumber the suspected shoplifter by a least one.
How do you deal with shoplifters who hang around your store?
If you have nothing to worry about then go about your business and let them hang around and prove you have nothing to hide. The only reason this happens is they may mistake you from a group that has shoplifted at the store before they just wanna play it safe and try there best to not have merchandise stolen so the store loses out.
Can you make a citizen’s arrest for shoplifting?
If you are sure that you have seen someone shoplifting, you have the right to make a citizen’s arrest and use reasonable force to detain the shoplifter. However, bear in mind that the police advise that a citizen’s arrest not be made except in extreme circumstances.
What do you do when you witness theft in the store?
Chances are that when you were hired, you received training in what to do when you witness theft in the store. Whatever your company policy is, follow it. In larger stores, that will mean contacting security; you might have to use a special code over the store PA system, or pick up the phone and call the onsite security officer.
What to do if someone is stealing from your store?
Whatever your company policy is, follow it. In larger stores, that will mean contacting security; you might have to use a special code over the store PA system, or pick up the phone and call the onsite security officer. In a small shop, though, you might not have a security officer to handle the situation.