Recently, a security guard working at a Coles branch in Melbourne was at the centre of a heated debate when a confrontation between him and a suspected shoplifter was caught on camera.

Footage of the incident shown by the media reveals that the security guard chased after the suspected thief, throwing various punches while trying to grab him just outside the store.

The suspected thief can be seen on the defensive, but it’s understood that in longer versions of the clip, he allegedly first swung at a bystander which prompted the security guard to confront him.

The security guard can be heard asking the man initially: ‘Why do you hit people?’

The encounter between the two escalated when the security guard decided to perform a citizen’s arrest on the suspected thief.

Other bystanders noticed what was happening. Some called the guard out on his actions.

'Oi! You can't hit him,' some shouted, while another chipped in with, 'You can't do that — just leave him alone!'

One person was heard shouting, 'You're gonna lose your f**king job.'

Onlookers could be seen watching as the security guard cornered the suspected thief. Image Credit: Facebook

Others, though, were more sympathetic.

‘Stay the f**k out of there,’ a man said, warning other angry onlookers who tried to stop the arrest to back off. ‘Let (the security guard) do what he wants to do.’

Someone else, sadly, could be heard hurling racial slurs at the guard.

The guard now claims MA Services Group, through which he was employed at Coles, has since fired him.

Representatives for the agency and Coles have declined to comment on the matter, while it has also been reported that a new security guard has been stationed at the Coles.

While the security guard may have been handed down a sentence by his employer, the court of public opinion certainly has a lot to say in his defence.

Many people on Twitter appeared to be less than impressed with the way the guard was treated, commenting that he deserved commendation for his actions.

'All I see is a security guard actually doing his job,' one of the comments read.

'Fired trying to deal with that crap. He deserves a medal,' another added.

'Not all heroes wear capes... he was doing his job under extreme pressure,' a third person said.

Still, others feel he took too much liberty with his act despite his intentions.

‘Excessive use of powers may have cost him the job. (He) shouldn’t have gone that far,’ another comment read.

Another meanwhile pointed out that security guards don’t hold any authority beyond the private property they are tasked to watch over.

While a third added ‘They are not (police officers) and do not have that kind of authority.’

In footage circulating online, the suspected thief was seen taking a swing at an onlooker, which prompted the security guard to confront him. Image Credit: Facebook

According to Victoria’s Crimes Act 1958, ‘Any person, whether a police officer or not, may at any time apprehend without warrant… any person… he finds committing any offence where he believes on reasonable grounds that the apprehension of the person is necessary’.

Among the reasons cited are ‘to preserve public order’, ‘to prevent the continuation or repetition of the offence’, and ‘for the safety or welfare of members of the public or of the offender’.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) also stresses that there must be reasonable grounds for someone to make a citizen’s arrest.

As to the use of force, the AFP says that a person shouldn’t ‘use more force, or subject the other person to greater indignity than is necessary and reasonable’.

The only exceptions to maximum tolerance as advised by the AFP are in cases of self-defence and to prevent the offender’s escape.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles security guard was fired after a confrontation with a suspected thief was caught on camera.
  
• Social media is split on his termination, with vocal supporters saying he deserved better treatment for doing his duty.
  
• Critics meanwhile point out that he had no business making an arrest and using ‘excessive force’.
  
• Coles and his former employer MA Services Group have declined to comment on the matter.
  
• Under Victorian law, warrantless arrests are allowed on reasonable grounds.
  

Authorities are investigating the incident.

Hopefully the matter is resolved in a way amicable to all parties.

What are your thoughts on this particularly controversial case? Was the former security guard justified in arresting and using physical force on the suspected thief?

And is he right to cry foul over his alleged termination over the incident?

Tell us your thoughts below.

Source: Twitter/@9NewsMelb​

 

[Catherines]

What are security guards for? To keep things, people and store goods SAFE and SECURE. I’ve not seen any security video of this incident but a security guard is paid to keep things, and people safe & secure. Apprehending this offender is the right thing he did & he should get his job back. Come on Coles, get your act together and give praise not punishment to one who was protecting your property & customers. What is the point of a security guard otherwise? Stricter penalties for repeat offenders is what is needed now, not a slap on the wrist with “Be a good boy or girl now” which is not working any more.

Why racial slurs, people?? Pink, blue, black or white should not matter, we are all people with arms, bodies, legs AND brains in some form or another so let us respect life.

 

[Defiant540]

she not a he I believe

 

[MHM]

Well,
How would critics feel if they were victims of this theft, and possibly the swing that was aimed at a bystander.
Sure, security guards have limited powers, however, think about how often they may be criticised for not taking action.
Taking a description would most probably be of little use. The man took a swing at a bystander. Should that attack have been successful, and he got away, would we then be on the side of the criminal?
It's a situation that transpires in seconds. The guard probably did not have the opportunity to consider all other avenues of action.
In my case, I would rather feel protected than witness political correctness.

It is not a matter of taking sides in the event. The security guard should have been trained in the limits of the job he was employed to do. There is no discretion available to a security guard about how far he/she can take his/her action on the basis of personal preference.

 

[AprilMaree]

It is thieves that are in part the cause of price increases. Taking a swing at a bystander shows an aggressive beligerant thief who thinks he can do whatever he wants. I am an old lady thankfully I wasn't the bystander. And the racist so and so calling out racial slurs mind your own business you racist pig. And lastly but not least ignorant Coles big business not giving a s**t about their employees. OMG I feel sorry for the security guard. Hopefully he gets another job at a better company.

 

[Tis me]

I don't agree. Security guards are employed to minimise risk of accidental harm to customers and mitigate the risk of criminal loss. They are not hired to "support and enforce the law". Security guards should work in concert with police, not attempt to take the place of Police.

OK, so, how do you propose it should have been handled?