What Retail Security Guards Can and Can’t Legally Do: Your Guide to Citizen’s Arrest in the UK

Most retail guards are unclear about their legal powers. They’re often told not to intervene or believe they must see the crime take place before taking action. That’s not quite right.

This blog explains:

• What the law actually says

• When “reasonable grounds” allow a citizen’s arrest

• How to act safely and legally

• How SWBM Academy prepares you to perform with confidence

🧾 What did we find out?

✅ 1. You can’t arrest on a hunch, but you also don’t need to witness the crime live.

In the UK, citizen’s arrests are permitted under Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). Security guards, like any private person, can arrest someone if they have reasonable grounds to suspect an indictable offence, such as theft or criminal damage, even if they did not see it happen.

The key is “reasonable grounds”. That means clear evidence, such as CCTV footage, eyewitness reports, or finding stolen goods on the suspect. It's not personal guesswork.

⚖️ 2. You can detain—but you can’t interrogate or search without consent.

A guard may detain someone and hold them until the police arrive, but only for a reasonable amount of time.

• You can only search the suspect if they consent, or if you're legally authorised (some site rules may allow entry searches). Without consent, you can refuse entry until agreement.

• You must not interrogate, hold them without explanation, or use unnecessary force.

🛡️ 3. Using force is legally allowed only if it's reasonable and proportionate.

Under Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967, security guards may use reasonable force to detain or prevent a crime, but only as much as necessary at the moment. Overreacting can lead to legal consequences.

🧭 4. Always explain what you're doing and why.

You should clearly state:

• Who you are

• That you’re making a citizen’s arrest

• The grounds for the arrest (e.g. CCTV shows theft)

• That you will hand them to the police

This not only follows legal best practice, it prevents misunderstandings. 

🛎️ When it’s legal and smart to act:

Scenario	Legal?	Best Practice
Saw someone shoplifting	✅ arrest allowed	Secure stolen goods, inform suspect, call police
CCTV evidence after suspect leaves	✅ arrest allowed if grounds are clear	Approach safely, follow company policy
Common-sense refusal to pay	❌ not indictable	Don’t detain; call the police
Employee dispute without criminal damage	🚫 no arrest	Use de-escalation, report to management

🔍 Why Guards Often Get It Wrong

• They think they must see the theft in action

• They worry about lawsuits for false detention

• They don’t want to appear aggressive or confrontational

Most companies discourage arrest unless absolutely necessary and rightly so. But understanding your lawful rights cuts confusion—and risk.

🧠 How SWBM Academy Prepares You

At SWBM, we go beyond theory:

• ✅ Scenario training involving realistic footage, witness reports, and simulated shoplifting

• ✅ Coaching on what constitutes reasonable grounds — not guesswork

• ✅ Role‑play of how to make a clear, calm arrest statement

• ✅ Guidance on using reasonable, proportionate restraint

• ✅ Emphasis on report writing and escalation, not confrontation

We make sure you train not just to pass, but to perform with legal confidence.

✅ Final Takeaway

Yes, you can legally arrest someone based on reasonable suspicion not just what you actually saw. But it must be handled correctly. And many guards feel unprepared.

If you want training that teaches you real world skills, legal clarity, and confidence on any retail site, SWBM Academy is your partner in preparing you right.

👉 Train with us and leave the guesswork behind.