Enhanced Citizens’ Arrest Powers Pass Into LawHon Paul GoldsmithMinister of JusticeBusinesses are about to have enhanced powers to detain and arrest those stealing from them with the Crimes Act Amendment Bill passing its final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The Crimes Act Amendment Bill ensures criminals face stronger penalties for retail crime, attacking first responders, coward punches, and dealing in slaves. Additional citizen’s arrest powers. Changes in relation to citizens’ arrest powers are:Amending the Crimes Act so that citizens can intervene to stop any Crimes Act offence at any time of the day. Changing the defence of property provisions to the Crimes Act so it is clear that reasonable force may be used.