Proposals to update and strengthen trespass laws announced today are a positive step in the fight against retail crime, Retail NZ says.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced plans to:

• increase the maximum trespass period from two years to three years
• allow retailers to trespass individuals from multiple locations
• increase the maximum fine for anyone refusing to leave when asked, or returning when trespassed from $1000 to $2000
• increase the maximum fine for anyone refusing to give their name and address when requested, or giving false information, from $500 to $1000.

“Retail NZ has long been advocating for the trespass laws to be updated so we are pleased to see these proposals,” Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says.

Ms Young is a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group on retail crime which is developing proposals to tackle retail crime.

Current trespass laws are not effective for retailers as they require that retailers record the name and address of the offender, but in many situations it is not safe or practical to obtain this information. The new proposals should make it easier for verbal trespass to be effective, and to be supported by CCTV footage to show that a trespass notice has been issued, she says.

Some further details are still being worked through, and Retail NZ will look to engage with officials as they draw up the amendments to the Trespass Act to ensure that the proposals are practical for retailers.

“Retailers are crying out for proactive solutions that prevent crime and enhance the safety of their staff and customers. Our members continue to face high rates of violence and crime, putting both their employees and the public at risk, as well as threatening the financial sustainability of retail businesses.”

Retail NZ would like to see the maximum trespass period extended beyond three years for particularly violent offenders but welcomes the initiatives to allow retailers to bar offenders from several locations at once and the extension of the maximum trespass period to three years.

Retail crime is a significant issue in New Zealand, impacting more than 99% of retailers and costing well over $2.6 billion a year.

Retail NZ has formed a working group comprising a number of New Zealand’s largest retailers which is developing agreed approaches to crime prevention measures.

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