What should a security guard do if they suspect someone is shoplifting?

When a security guard suspects someone of shoplifting, the best course of action is to observe the individual and report the situation to management without confronting the person. This approach allows the security guard to gather critical information about the suspect's behavior and actions, which can be valuable for assessing the situation accurately.

By monitoring the suspected shoplifter discreetly, the guard can potentially witness theft in progress or collect evidence such as the items being taken or the individual's mannerisms. Reporting to management ensures that trained personnel can handle the situation appropriately, which may include deciding the next steps, such as confronting the individual or determining whether law enforcement should be involved.

Immediate confrontation by the guard could escalate the situation, potentially leading to conflict or dangerous scenarios. Additionally, ignoring the situation could result in lost merchandise and may not align with the guard's responsibilities to protect the property. Calling the police before assessing the situation and gathering sufficient information might lead to unnecessary involvement of law enforcement when the matter could be resolved internally. Therefore, the second option emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proper protocol in handling suspected shoplifting incidents.