Citizen’s arrest shoplifter…
Retail theft is out of control. Across the U.S., stores are closing, shelves are being locked up, and employees feel powerless against a wave of shoplifting that has only grown more aggressive. Retailers are fed up, and they deserve the right to protect their businesses.
In New Zealand, a new law seeks to empower business owners and workers by allowing them to detain shoplifters until police arrive. The message is clear: theft will no longer be tolerated. It’s a bold move—one that America should take seriously if we want to put an end to the rampant shoplifting crisis.
Retailers Deserve Protection—Not More Losses
For years, businesses have been told to "just let them take it." Many major retailers, including Walgreens, Target, and Walmart, have advised employees not to intervene—but at what cost?
Retail theft now costs U.S. businesses over $112 billion per year.
Some cities, like San Francisco and New York, have seen organized retail crime explode, with thieves walking out with bags of stolen goods in broad daylight.
Small businesses are suffering the most, with many being forced to close because they simply can’t absorb the losses.
This isn’t just an issue of profits—it’s an issue of justice. Why should hardworking business owners be forced to watch their merchandise get stolen with no power to stop it?
The U.S. Must Pass a National Law Protecting Retailers’ Right to Stop Shoplifters
Currently, most states have shopkeeper’s privilege laws, which allow store owners to detain suspected shoplifters under certain conditions. But these laws vary widely, and corporate policies, liability concerns, and weak law enforcement have rendered them ineffective.
America needs a national law modeled after New Zealand’s:
✅ Guaranteeing the right of retailers to detain shoplifters until police arrive
✅ Providing strong legal protections for businesses that intervene
✅ Ensuring that retail theft is prosecuted at all levels
Shoplifters should not be able to walk out of stores without consequences. A national law would empower retailers, deter crime, and restore order to communities suffering from rampant theft.
Retailers Should Be Able to Detain Thieves Until Police Arrive
New Zealand’s approach makes sense:
If a store owner or worker catches someone in the act of stealing, they should have the right to detain that person until law enforcement can take over.
The police can’t always respond quickly, so allowing businesses to hold thieves accountable is a practical, common-sense solution.
It sends a clear message—shoplifting isn’t a free-for-all, and criminals won’t be able to walk away without consequences.
Many argue that retail workers shouldn’t have to get involved, but what’s the alternative? If police aren’t available and businesses can’t intervene, then theft will only continue to rise.
Security Measures That Work: Protecting Merchandise Before It Walks Out the Door
Retailers have already turned to high-tech security solutions to curb shoplifting, and they work.
1. Security Tags and Ink Tags
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Tags – These trigger an alarm if an item is taken without deactivating the tag, making it impossible for thieves to leave unnoticed.
Ink Tags – These are perfect for preventing clothing theft—if removed improperly, they explode with permanent ink, ruining the item and making resale impossible.
Stores should be using these aggressively to protect high-theft merchandise and deter criminals.
2. Locked Merchandise and Controlled Access
Glass display cases, access-controlled shelving, and smart lock technology prevent thieves from simply grabbing high-value items and walking out.
Self-service kiosks that require ID scanning for high-risk products help ensure that only legitimate customers can access certain items.
This approach protects products without hurting honest shoppers—a win-win for businesses.
3. Stronger Presence of Loss Prevention and Security Personnel
Stores should be able to hire and empower security guards to physically intervene when a crime is in progress.
More undercover loss prevention officers in major retail chains can stop shoplifters before they even make it out the door.
Retailers should also be able to ban repeat offenders and publicly display images of known thieves to prevent future crimes.
Theft Must Have Consequences – No More Slaps on the Wrist
Too many thieves today know they can get away with it. In some cities, the legal system refuses to prosecute shoplifters unless they steal above a certain dollar amount. This loophole has been exploited by organized retail crime rings, where criminals steal just under the limit repeatedly, knowing there will be no consequences.
This must change.
Retailers should have full legal protection to stop and detain shoplifters until police arrive.
Repeat offenders should face stricter penalties, including jail time.
Police must prioritize retail crime enforcement and ensure shoplifting cases are actually prosecuted.
Enough Is Enough—It’s Time to Empower Retailers
New Zealand’s move to allow businesses to physically detain thieves is the right step. The U.S. needs to follow suit and take a hard stance against shoplifting by passing a national law protecting the rights of retailers to stop and detain thieves.
🔷 Expanding citizen’s arrest protections for retailers and employees
🔷 Strengthening legal protections for businesses that stop shoplifters
🔷 Allowing store security and loss prevention teams to physically intervene
🔷 Making shoplifting arrests and prosecutions a law enforcement priority
Retailers and workers are tired of being sitting ducks while criminals take what they want without fear. They should have the right to fight back.
Theft is not a victimless crime—and it’s time the law reflects that.
The U.S. Needs to Act Now
We can no longer allow shoplifters to run rampant while businesses suffer losses and employees feel unsafe. A national law protecting retailers’ right to detain criminals is the only way to restore order in the retail sector.
Theft should not be tolerated, and those who commit it must face consequences.