A security guard working at a retail store observes an individual place merchandise into a bag and attempt to leave without paying. The guard intercepts the individual just outside the store's exit. What legal framework primarily governs the guard's power to detain this individual?

Question: A security guard working at a retail store observes an individual place merchandise into a bag and attempt to leave without paying. The guard intercepts the individual just outside the store's exit. What legal framework primarily governs the guard's power to detain this individual?

Answer options:

• The PIPA (Personal Information Protection Act) of BC. ✅ The powers of citizen's arrest under Section 494 of the Criminal Code regarding theft.
• The BC Security Services Act.
• The BC Residential Tenancy Act.

Correct answer: The powers of citizen's arrest under Section 494 of the Criminal Code regarding theft.

Explanation: The power to detain for what would be theft, an indictable offence, falls under the citizen's arrest provisions of Section 494 of the Criminal Code, for someone found committing the offence.