A new policy designed to beef up security guard powers will provide retailers with the necessary support to combat retail crime, according to Retail NZ.

The proposed changes by the Association of Consumers and Taxpayers (ACT) will see specially trained security guards be licensed and given additional powers.

Under the ACT’s plan, licensed accredited security operators would be able to require a person’s name and address on private premises and detain them until police arrive if they refuse and won’t leave. Security staff could also issue conduct-based exclusion notices, remove people who threaten safety, cause damage, or breach a venue’s conditions of entry, ⁠use proportionate force as a last resort, and carry out consent-based safety searches.

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young said the organisation welcomes any changes that would provide advanced training to security guards and allow them to safely manage higher-risk situations.

“Retailers have been struggling to manage the growing level of abuse and violence from customers in their stores. 

“It is vital any additional powers for specially accredited security guards would need to remain reasonable and proportionate, but many retailers may benefit from having security staff that could remove customers who are threatening safety or causing harm, for example,” she said.

Young cited Retail NZ’s Crime Reports released in 2023 and 2024, which found retail crime costs the sector about $2.6 billion a year. Retail members have also reported that instances of customer aggression have continued to worsen in recent years.

“We see this policy as fitting nicely alongside the changes to trespass laws for retailers that are currently being considered by select committee,” Young continued.

While appropriately trained and licensed security guards would be welcomed in the retail sector, she stressed the importance of a balanced approach to ensure there is not a disproportionate risk of harm.