Under the British Columbia Trespass to Property Act, what action can a security guard legally take if they observe an individual clearly trespassing on private property and ignoring verbal requests to leave?

Question: Under the British Columbia Trespass to Property Act, what action can a security guard legally take if they observe an individual clearly trespassing on private property and ignoring verbal requests to leave?

Answer options:

• Detain the individual using reasonable force until police arrive. ✅ Verbally warn the individual again and then call the police.
• Issue a formal written notice of trespass to the individual.
• Demand identification from the individual.

Correct answer: Verbally warn the individual again and then call the police.

Explanation: The Trespass to Property Act allows property owners or their agents (security guards) to request trespassers to leave. If they refuse, the next step is usually to contact law enforcement, as security guards generally do not have the power to arrest for trespass unless acting as an agent to a citizen's arrest, which requires specific circumstances and is generally avoided.