The Government hopes criminals will be deterred as it proposes loosening restrictions on citizen's arrests.
It would mean businesses could arrest and detain people stealing at any hour, and use reasonable force.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says this doesn't mean people can't tackle others or force them to the ground - but they will be able to directly intervene.
"The definition of reasonable force is something that the courts will work their way through - but yes, holding on to somebody's arm and stopping them from getting away is reasonable."
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