There's growing calls for security guards to receive more protections and power - including the legal ability to detain offenders.

This comes as security guards face increased hostility, including verbal threats and even physical aggression.

Security Association CEO Gary Morrison says security staff would like the power to detain offenders in order to crack down on shoplifting.

"We can do a citizen's arrest, but that's in very limited circumstances. Generally, security staff are instructed to not take any form of attempt to detain people."

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