Lesson 6 of 12

Scenario A: Premature Arrest

Overhead CCTV-style security camera footage perspective showing a person in a retail electronics store aisle slipping a small product into the inside pocket of their jacket, grainy realistic surveillance look, wide angle

The Situation

You are working Loss Prevention at a large electronics retailer in Mississauga, Ontario. On the CCTV monitor, you observe a male subject enter the store without any items concealed. He walks to the electronics section, selects a $40 portable speaker, glances around, and slips it into the inside pocket of his jacket.

The subject is now standing in the gaming aisle — roughly 15 metres from the nearest checkout. He has not moved toward the exit.

Decision Point

You have personally observed Steps 1 through 3 (Observation, Selection, and Concealment). The subject is still inside the store and has not approached any checkout.

Should you approach and arrest the subject now?

Yes — concealment is sufficient evidence of theft. Arrest now to prevent the subject from escaping.

No — wait until the subject passes all tills and exits the store without paying.

Call police now and let them decide whether to arrest.

The Situation

Decision Point

Lesson Score