Businesses are about to have enhanced powers to detain and arrest those stealing from them with the Crimes Act Amendment Bill passing its final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and that means ensuring retailers are being effectively protected, are empowered to stop offending, and that offenders are caught and deterred from doing it again.

“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 Crimes Act Amendment Bill ensures criminals face stronger penalties for retail crime, attacking first responders, coward punches, and dealing in slaves. This is another significant piece of work as part of the Government’s effort to restore law and order.

“Where others may flee, first responders and front-line corrections workers run towards danger to help those who need urgent assistance. Assaulting them puts multiple lives at risk, so there must be greater consequences for these terrible acts of violence.

“We know how dangerous coward punches are. People can be killed or suffer lifelong brain injuries, yet perpetrators often receive lenient and insufficient sentences. That changes with this legislation.

“We promised to have this passed into law before the election. We’re delivering. The majority of this legislation will take effect within a week.”

The Crimes Amendment Bill includes:

Changes in relation to citizens’ arrest powers are: