The Opposition is wary innocent people may come off worse if more citizen's arrests are permitted.  

The Government is due to announce a refresh in the way it handles retail crime this afternoon, following a 12% rise in rates last year.  

A loosening of citizen arrest rules is expected, which currently only allow arrests between 9pm and 6am, and for crimes with a maximum punishment of at least three years in prison. 

Labour's Police Spokesperson Ginny Andersen says New Zealand has already seen examples where people have been injured or lost their life, because a weapon was involved. 

Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking the police can’t be everywhere all the time, and they want to make sure that business owners and customers are protected. 

He says they want to ensure people have the right to defend themselves and their property without criminalising themselves. 

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