In a bold move to combat rising shoplifting incidents, Chris Philp, the Policing Minister, has called on the public to take matters into their own hands and make citizen’s arrests on thieves. Speaking at a fringe event during the Conservative Party conference, Philp emphasised the need for a collective effort against theft.

“I would also just remind everyone that the wider public, including shop staff and security guards, do have the power of citizen’s arrest,” Philp stated, urging individuals to intervene where safe. He emphasised that allowing theft without challenge could lead to an escalation of such incidents, potentially requiring physical confrontation.

Citing the 1967 Criminal Law Act, Philp highlighted that any member of the public has the right to use reasonable force in preventing crimes or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders. This statement raises questions about the potential consequences and safety concerns associated with citizens taking on the role of law enforcement.

During his address, Philp commended Co-op for proactively training its security guards and staff to confront shoplifters. He also suggested leveraging Britain’s passport database as a tool to identify and apprehend criminals, including shoplifters and burglars.

This call for citizen involvement marks a significant shift in how society addresses crime, opening a debate on the thin line between public assistance and potential vigilantism. As the public grapples with the implications, retailers are urged to enhance security measures while citizens weigh the risks and responsibilities associated with making arrests in the name of crime prevention.