WELLINGTON, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's parliament on Thursday passed legislation expanding citizens' arrest powers so that businesses have more powers to detain and arrest those stealing from them.
The government is to ensure retailers are effectively protected and empowered to stop offending, and that offenders are caught and deterred from doing it again, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said in a statement.
The Crimes Act Amendment Bill ensures criminals face stronger penalties for retail crime, attacking first responders, coward punches and dealing in slaves, as part of the government's effort to restore law and order, Goldsmith said, adding the majority of this legislation will take effect within a week.
"Retailers and security guards face abuse and assault that no New Zealander should be subjected to, and we know the economic cost of retail crime is in the billions," the minister was quoted as saying.
Under the new law, citizens will be able to intervene to stop any offence under the Crimes Act at any time of day. Previously, some powers, including those relating to theft of goods worth less than 1,000 New Zealand dollars (about 587 U.S. dollars), applied only between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The legislation requires anyone making a citizen's arrest to contact police and follow instructions. It clarifies that reasonable restraints and reasonable force may be used when making an arrest or defending property.
The bill also creates new offences for assaulting first responders or frontline corrections workers, introduces three new "coward punch" offences, establishes a new infringement regime for shoplifting, and strengthens laws against human trafficking and people smuggling. ■
