As a builders merchant or hardware retailer, safeguarding your business from theft is critical. Costs within the sector have increased over the last 12 months through inflation, increased business costs and other pressures. Theft has increased over the last 12 months also and no retailer or sector is immune. These incidents can prove costly to businesses and the aim is to minimise these instances occurring. However, handling suspected theft improperly can expose you to costly wrongful arrest claims. These claims can damage your reputation and can also lead to financial losses and legal consequences.
SeaChange deliver bespoke safety management solutions that engage the workforce in preventing incidents and help organisations achieve a positive, sustainable safety culture. This is achieved by assisting you in implementing and providing your staff with comprehensive Wrongful Arrest Site Prevention Training to help retailers like you handle security incidents professionally, lawfully, and effectively.
The Risks of Wrongful Arrest
Wrongful arrest occurs when an individual is detained against their will and without sufficient evidence. In Ireland, this can lead to claims of:
- False Imprisonment: Unlawful restraint of someone’s freedom.
- Defamation: Public accusations without evidence.
- Emotional Distress: Damage to a person’s mental well-being due to improper handling.
These claims arise most commonly when retailers act without proper knowledge of legal boundaries, including the misuse of citizen’s arrest powers. These can also prove costly in the event that a claim arises from an individual who feels that they may have been treated unfairly. This leads to higher insurance costs.
Why Your Business Needs Training
Hardware Retailers face unique challenges when managing theft and security risks. Engaging in specialised training ensures that you and your staff:
- Understand the legal framework in Ireland, including when and how to make a lawful citizen’s arrest.
- Learn to establish reasonable suspicion before taking action.
- Handle suspected theft incidents discreetly and lawfully, avoiding public accusations.
- Protect your business from legal claims through the implementation of best practices.
- Protect your staff from potentially difficult and dangerous situations.
- Protect your stock and inventory from theft and or loss.
- Reduce Lost Time incidents to allow your staff to do their jobs easily and more effectively
What Training Covers
Tailored Wrongful Arrest Site Prevention Training provides practical, actionable guidance to help your team:
- Recognise Legal Boundaries: Learn when it’s appropriate to detain someone and how to avoid false imprisonment claims.
- Use Evidence Effectively: Understand the importance of documentation (e.g., CCTV footage, observations) in building reasonable suspicion.
- Engage the Gardaí Properly: Know when to escalate an incident and involve law enforcement.
- De-escalate Situations: Handle suspected theft professionally to reduce conflict and maintain customer trust.
- Protect Your Reputation: Avoid public embarrassment and defamation claims by addressing issues discreetly.
The Benefits for Your Business
With Wrongful Arrest Training, you’ll:
- Reduce the risk of wrongful arrest claims and associated legal costs.
- Enhance staff confidence in managing security incidents.
- Safeguard your reputation as a professional and customer-focused retailer.
- Create a safer, more secure shopping environment.
Take the First Step
Don’t let a single misstep jeopardise your business. Equip your team with the knowledge and tools to handle security incidents legally and effectively.
Contact us today to book your Wrongful Arrest Site Prevention Training session. Let us help you protect your business while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and customer care. Protect your business. Protect your reputation. Act now.
Eamonn Condell 085 2524679 / 045 856028 eamonn.condell@seachange-intl.com www.seachange-intl.com
Business Development Specialist
