New Democrats respond to Toronto store owner ruling
Posted October 29, 2010 11:41 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Federal NDP says an Ontario court ruling shows there’s urgency for the “Lucky Moose Bill.” It’s aimed at protecting shop owners from prosecution if they catch and hold a thief.
Public Safety Critic Don Davies has been fighting for the bill, and canvassing local businesses. He tells us it would protect shop owners by giving them reasonable time to hold a thief until police arrive, without being punished. “We’ve just expanded the time in which you can make the arrest. It would protect shop owners from being vulnerable and having to watch someone steal from them… and be powerless to intervene.”
Davies tells us the bill covers homeowners too.
Assault and forcible confinement charges against David Chen have been dropped. He’s the owner of Toronto’s “Lucky Moose” store. A judge says Chen could hold a thief because the crime being committed was ongoing.
Davies says, “I think it’s a good day for Mr. Chen and store owners, and all those who think that criminal laws should be wise and smart and measured with common sense.”
