Relevant UK laws (Theft Act, Criminal Law Act, Human Rights Act)
Introduction
As a licenced security officer, understanding the laws that govern your actions is not just useful—it’s essential. Every decision you make, whether stopping a suspect or detaining someone, must align with UK legislation. This lesson focuses on three key laws that every officer must know inside out:
Theft Act 1968
Criminal Law Act 1967
Human Rights Act 1998
We’ll break these down simply, give you real-world examples, and explain how to stay on the right side of the law—protecting both the public and yourself.
As a frontline retail security officer or store detective, you are not just a deterrent to theft—you’re an essential part of a store’s loss prevention, safety, and customer experience strategy.
This lesson explores your responsibilities, expected conduct, and the legal standards you must follow. It also highlights how you add value to the wider business and public trust.
The Theft Act 1968
What is it?
The Theft Act 1968 defines what theft is and sets out other related offences such as robbery, burglary, and handling stolen goods.
Key Definition (Section 1):
“A person is guilty of theft if they dishonestly appropriate property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving them of it.”
In Retail Security, This Means:
You may encounter:
Shoplifting (most common offence)
Price label switching
Concealing items
Refund fraud
Legal Elements to Prove Theft:
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dishonesty | No intention to pay or rightful claim |
| Appropriation | Taking possession of goods |
| Property | Includes goods, money, vouchers, etc. |
| Belonging to another | Not owned by the suspect |
| Intention to deprive | No plan to return or pay later |
Consequences of Misunderstanding:
False accusations may lead to legal action against the officer and employer
Poor incident documentation weakens police cases
Criminal Law Act 1967 – Reasonable Force & Citizens' Arrest
What is it?
This law outlines when and how you can use force or make an arrest without being a police officer.
Section 3 – Use of Reasonable Force
“A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime.”
Section 24A – Citizens’ Arrest
Allows any person to arrest without a warrant:
If an indictable offence (e.g. theft) is being committed
If it is not reasonably practical for a police officer to do so
Realistic Limits:
| DO | DO NOT |
|---|---|
| Use only minimum force necessary | Use excessive force (e.g. punches, headlocks) |
| Arrest after offence committed and you’ve observed it | Arrest based on suspicion alone |
| Immediately call police and hand over | Hold the person longer than needed |
You Must:
Be 100% certain a crime occurred
Never act on bias or emotion
Act proportionately and record every step
Human Rights Act 1998
What is it?
The Human Rights Act protects the basic rights and freedoms of every person in the UK—including shoplifters.
Key Rights Relevant to Security Officers:
| Right | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| Article 3 – No inhuman treatment | You must not use force or language that causes fear or humiliation. |
| Article 5 – Right to liberty | You can detain someone lawfully only within your legal limits. |
| Article 6 – Right to a fair trial | Evidence (e.g. CCTV, reports) must be accurate and not misleading. |
| Article 8 – Right to privacy | CCTV use, bag searches, and personal data collection must be justified. |
As a security officer, this means:
Be respectful, non-judgmental, and avoid confrontational language
Don’t search someone unless it’s a policy and done with consent
Avoid unnecessary touching or blocking exits unless required
Real-World Example
Scenario:
You observe a customer in a supermarket concealing two high-value items in a backpack. You monitor discreetly and witness the person pass all tills without making payment.
You detain the individual outside the payment area using reasonable force. You immediately:
Inform the person of the reason for the detention
Call for a supervisor and notify police
Record all details, including use of CCTV and ASCONE elements
Complete a professional, unbiased incident report
You’ve now acted lawfully under all three acts.
Statistics That Matter
Over 8 million shoplifting incidents occurred in UK retail settings last year
Less than 12% of shoplifters are apprehended—mainly due to weak evidence
Over 40% of false arrest claims are due to officers misunderstanding the law
Consequences of Non-Compliance
| If You Break the Law | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|
| Use unlawful force | Loss of SIA licence, criminal charge, employer liability |
| Detain someone without lawful reason | Civil lawsuits, store termination, reputational damage |
| Breach privacy rights (e.g. GDPR) | Data protection fines, dismissal, customer complaints |
