Retail Loss Prevention Course 2026
This course is for security guards and loss prevention staff in Canadian stores. It covers how theft happens, what the Criminal Code allows, how to make safe decisions about stops, and how to handle video and evidence properly.
Resposta rápida
Este curso gratuito tem cerca de 15 minutos de lições e um teste de 25 perguntas. Com 80% ou mais pode descarregar um certificado de conclusão (privado, não acreditado). Verificado com fontes oficiais em 11 de outubro de 2026.
O que vai aprender
- Explain what theft is and when the Criminal Code allows an arrest by store staff
- Decide when a stop is safe and when to let a person go
- Respect limits on searching and use of force
- Speak to customers and suspects in a calm, respectful way
- Handle video, evidence and notes in line with privacy guidelines
Obtenha 80% ou mais para descarregar o seu certificado.
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Pergunta 1 de 25
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Resposta: C. To deprive the owner of it, even temporarily
Section 322 says theft is taking or converting something fraudulently and without colour of right, with intent such as depriving the owner of it, temporarily or absolutely.
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Pergunta 2 de 25
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Resposta: C. $5,000
Section 334 sets the line at $5,000. Theft over $5,000 has a much higher maximum sentence.
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Pergunta 3 de 25
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Resposta: B. The owner, a person in lawful possession, or a person they authorize, such as loss prevention staff
Section 494(2) gives this power to property owners, lawful possessors and people they authorize. Store policy may still limit when staff make arrests.
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Pergunta 4 de 25
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Resposta: D. That it is not feasible in the circumstances for a peace officer to make the arrest
A delayed arrest is allowed only within a reasonable time and when it is not feasible for police to make the arrest.
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Pergunta 5 de 25
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Resposta: D. Deliver them to a peace officer right away
Section 494(3) says anyone other than a peace officer who arrests without a warrant must deliver the person to a peace officer forthwith.
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Pergunta 6 de 25
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Resposta: D. As much as is necessary, acting on reasonable grounds
Section 25 protects people acting under legal authority who use only as much force as is necessary. Excessive force is a crime.
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Pergunta 7 de 25
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Resposta: D. You cannot force a search; follow store policy and call police if you have grounds
Security staff have no general power to search. A search needs real consent or another lawful basis, and searching without authority can be an assault.
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Pergunta 8 de 25
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Resposta: A. See the person select the item, conceal it, keep watching them, and see them pass the last point of sale without paying
Seeing each step and keeping continuous watch helps make sure you saw an offence. A stop without that certainty risks a false arrest.
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Pergunta 9 de 25
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Resposta: B. Do not stop them, because they may have put the item back or dropped it
A break in observation creates doubt. Stopping someone who no longer has the item can lead to a false arrest and a lawsuit.
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Pergunta 10 de 25
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Resposta: A. Back away, let them go, call 911 and note their description
No merchandise is worth a life. Your safety and the safety of others come first; a good description helps police.
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Pergunta 11 de 25
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Resposta: A. Greeting customers and being attentive and visible
People who plan to steal avoid staff who notice them. Good customer service is one of the strongest deterrents.
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Pergunta 12 de 25
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Resposta: A. By what people do, such as concealing items, never by who they are
Decisions must be based on behaviour. Profiling people based on personal characteristics is unfair and can break human rights laws.
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Pergunta 13 de 25
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Resposta: D. Post a clear notice that cameras are in use
Privacy guidelines say organizations should post clear, understandable notice of video surveillance, with a contact for questions.
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Pergunta 14 de 25
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Resposta: C. No, because people have a heightened expectation of privacy there
Federal guidelines say cameras should not be aimed at areas where people have a heightened expectation of privacy, such as washrooms.
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Pergunta 15 de 25
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Resposta: C. Only as long as needed for the purpose of the surveillance, then destroy them securely
Recordings should be kept only as long as necessary to fulfil their purpose and then securely destroyed.
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Pergunta 16 de 25
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Resposta: A. People have a right to access images of themselves, with others in the video protected
Individuals have the right to access images relating to them; other people in the footage should be protected, for example by masking.
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Pergunta 17 de 25
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Resposta: B. Only a small number of authorized staff, with recordings kept in a secure place
Recorded images must be stored securely, and only authorized people should have access.
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Pergunta 18 de 25
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Resposta: D. Stay calm, do what they ask, watch for details and call 911 when it is safe
During a robbery, cooperating keeps people safe. Noting descriptions and calling 911 as soon as it is safe helps police.
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Pergunta 19 de 25
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Resposta: D. An offence of entering premises where entry is prohibited
Under the Act, an occupier or an authorized person can prohibit entry by notice, and entering when entry is prohibited is an offence.
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Pergunta 20 de 25
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Resposta: C. Internal theft, often called sweethearting
Employees giving free or discounted goods to friends or family is a form of internal theft that loss prevention watches for.
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Pergunta 21 de 25
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Resposta: D. As soon as possible, with facts, times and descriptions
Notes made right away are more accurate and carry more weight in court. Write what you saw and did, not guesses.
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Pergunta 22 de 25
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Resposta: D. Keep it secure, record it, and follow policy for handing it to police
Recovered items are evidence. Keeping them secure and recording who handled them protects the chain of evidence.
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Pergunta 23 de 25
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Resposta: C. Approach calmly and respectfully, ask about the item and involve a manager, watching for signs they need help
Not every unpaid item is a planned theft. A calm, respectful approach protects the person's dignity and may reveal a medical or memory problem.
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Pergunta 24 de 25
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Resposta: B. Stay polite, offer help, and avoid accusing them
Calm, polite service lowers tension. Accusing someone without seeing an offence can lead to complaints and legal trouble.
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Pergunta 25 de 25
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Resposta: C. Do not chase; note the description and direction and report it
Chases lead to injuries, traffic accidents and lawsuits. Follow your store policy and give police a good description.
Teclado: 1–4 para responder, Enter para a pergunta seguinte.
O que saber antes do exame
- The Criminal Code sets the line between theft under and theft over at $5,000.
- A property owner or a person they authorize may arrest someone found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property, and must hand them to police right away.
- Anyone using force under legal authority may use only as much force as is necessary.
- Federal privacy guidelines say businesses should post clear notice of video surveillance and keep recordings only as long as needed.
- In Ontario, a banned person who returns to the premises commits an offence under the Trespass to Property Act.
Perguntas frequentes
Can store security search my bag?
Security staff have no general power to search. A search needs your real consent or another lawful basis. If you refuse, staff must follow their policy and may call police.
Can loss prevention staff arrest a shoplifter?
Yes, the Criminal Code allows the owner or a person they authorize to arrest someone found committing a criminal offence on the property, and they must hand the person to police right away. Many stores limit arrests by policy.
Should I chase a shoplifter?
Usually no. Chases cause injuries and accidents, and most stores have no-chase policies. Call 911 and give a good description instead.
How long does the course take?
The five lessons take about 15 minutes to read. The final test has 25 questions and you need 80% to pass.
O certificado é acreditado ou reconhecido oficialmente?
Não. É um certificado de conclusão privado, apenas para o seu conhecimento. Não é reconhecido, acreditado nem aprovado por nenhum governo, entidade licenciadora, regulador ou instituição de ensino e não substitui qualquer licença, certificação ou formação exigida por lei.
Fontes
- Criminal Code, section 322 (theft)
- Criminal Code, section 334 (punishment for theft)
- Criminal Code, section 494 (arrest without warrant)
- Criminal Code, section 25 (protection of persons acting under authority)
- Trespass to Property Act (Ontario)
- Guidelines for overt video surveillance in the private sector (Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada)