The ‘shopkeeper’s privilege’ provides merchants with a limited right to detain suspected shoplifters to prevent loss while aiming to minimize infringing on individual freedoms. Detentions must be based on reasonable suspicion, conducted in a non-excessive manner, and for no longer than necessary to verify suspicions or involve law enforcement.
For example: A bookstore owner who requests customers to show their bags if an alarm rings, verifying any suspicion of theft swiftly and respectfully before deciding on further action.