Lesson 4 of 9

Lesson 2: Recovery Without Contact

Lesson 2: Recovery Without Contact — Section 35

A calm security guard speaking professionally with a retail customer standing a few feet apart near store shelving, no physical contact, professional body language, realistic photograph
A calm security guard speaking professionally with a retail customer standing a few feet apart near store shelving, no physical contact, professional body language, realistic photograph

The Legal Basis: Section 35

Section 35 of the Criminal Code of Canada authorizes a person to take Reasonable Acts to protect property being taken without lawful authority.

A verbal request to return an item is a Reasonable Act. No physical contact required.

Two outcomes follow your request:

  • Subject hands the item over → Recovery is successful

  • Subject walks toward the exit → Transition to Witness & Report

"I noticed you have those items. Would you like to pay for them now, or leave them here with me before you go?"

Section 35 Verbal Request Script — calm, professional, non-accusatory