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​

 

[Lisa]

The "thief" is the reason why they employ security guards in most stores now! Their brazen acts and violence are escalating! And to the bystander who was yelling leave him alone let's hope you are NOT his next victim
It would be a good idea next time to let the security guard attend to business.

 

[lillybaby5]

I like this security guard, its about time someone did something.

 

[carer101]

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.'

View attachment 13278

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.’

View attachment 13279

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​

Once again the losers have won by having the Security officer fired for doing what he was being paid for. Why can a Security guard, employed to protect his employees property, be sacked for apprehending a suspected thief whom has violently refused to be apprehended, after all he was only for doing his job. From what I under stand, a person can not be charged with stealing goods until they have left the property.

 

[Bargain Hunter]

All the woke racist snowflakes have come out of the woodwork with this one. I commend the security guard for doing his job. And please drop the term "shoplifter". They are thieves. They are stealing from shops regularly, forcing prices up for the general public, to cover business losses. What use is employing security if they cannot prevent theft? This guy should retain his job.

 

[Macarj]

A supercheap auto shop employee stopped a thief and he was sacked I don't shop at supercheap any more the employee was given a job at auto barn we the customers pay for product that is stolen not the company that is why they really don't care

 

[Dunks]

why bother to employ security if they can’t act. I feel safer knowing they are there when I’m shopping. The man was doing what he was employed to do.

 

[XQueenslander]

Was he shoplifting or only suspected of it. He may have been innocent.

 

[brendanvp]

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.'

View attachment 13278

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.’

View attachment 13279

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​

He was within his rights

 

[Tis me]

Where is the petition for me to sign? to give this security guard our support in getting his job back?

 

[MHM]

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.'

View attachment 13278

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.’

View attachment 13279

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​

The critical words are "suspected thief". The security guard may have been justified in approaching the person, with the purpose of talking to him/her about a suspected theft, but a person not having been notified of the "suspected theft" could be excused for turning and running from the security guard who approached him. A security guard is not a policeman ( although he/she may hold the status of "special officer"). The security guard would have been wisely advised to take a description of the suspect, and his/her location, for the purpose of notifying Victoria Police of the suspected offence and the suspected thief. The guard did, in my view overreach his/her authority, but I don't think it warranted his/her dismissal. The employer company should review its training protocols.

 

[Tis me]

why bother to employ security if they can’t act. I feel safer knowing they are there when I’m shopping. The man was doing what he was employed to do.

Exactly, I agree with you. Security guards are employed to support and enforce the law. If their hands are tied by laughable laws then non of us are safe.

 

[Tis me]

The critical words are "suspected thief". The security guard may have been justified in approaching the person, with the purpose of talking to him/her about a suspected theft, but a person not having been notified of the "suspected theft" could be excused for turning and running from the security guard who approached him. A security guard is not a policeman ( although he/she may hold the status of "special officer"). The security guard would have been wisely advised to take a description of the suspect, and his/her location, for the purpose of notifying Victoria Police of the suspected offence and the suspected thief. The guard did, in my view overreach his/her authority, but I don't think it warranted his/her dismissal. The employer company should review its training protocols.

Don't fucken mince words, the video footage shows a man out of control attacking other people. Grow some balls.

 

[Glo72]

One of my daughters was shopping at Kmart at Maitland and saw two women putting items in their handbags. She reported it to a staff member who said they don’t have the right to search handbags. Innocent shoppers have to pay for what the thieves take. Once they leave the store the staff don’t care.

 

[Mikeyboy2012]

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.'

View attachment 13278

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.’

View attachment 13279

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​

This is why there is so much crime. The perpetrators have more rights than enforcement officers or agents. It appears that the thief starts assaulting before the security guy stopped him. Self-defence by the guard would be an additional argument. I'd employ him tomorrow if I had retail business. Great effort punished. Society is way too soft and empathic towards perpetrators at times.

 

[MHM]

Exactly, I agree with you. Security guards are employed to support and enforce the law. If their hands are tied by laughable laws then non of us are safe.

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.

 

[Colette 3799]

The critical words are "suspected thief". The security guard may have been justified in approaching the person, with the purpose of talking to him/her about a suspected theft, but a person not having been notified of the "suspected theft" could be excused for turning and running from the security guard who approached him. A security guard is not a policeman ( although he/she may hold the status of "special officer"). The security guard would have been wisely advised to take a description of the suspect, and his/her location, for the purpose of notifying Victoria Police of the suspected offence and the suspected thief. The guard did, in my view overreach his/her authority, but I don't think it warranted his/her dismissal. The employer company should review its training protocols.

It says in the article that the suspect hit a bystander. Surely the security guard was doing his job and detaining the thief. People are way too soft on criminals

 

[Bargain Hunter]

Don't fucken mince words, the video footage shows a man out of control attacking other people. Grow some balls.

The critical words as you put it are the legal terminology. Suspected or alleged until found guilty or innocent in a court of law.

 

[MariaG]

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.

 

[Catherines]

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.'

View attachment 13278

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.’

View attachment 13279

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​