I stopped a shoplifter but security guard told me: Sorry, can't help, it's not my job

Mr Franks grabbed hold of one boy, while his wife Julia called the security guard, thinking he would take over.

But they thought wrong. Instead of detaining the culprits, the guard told Mr Franks, 28, to let go of the youngster.

It wasn't in his job description to apprehend shoplifters, he said.

And besides, he was busy guarding the lavatories.

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Mr Franks, a locksmith, was in the Wilkinson hardware store in the Dolphin Shopping Centre, in Poole, Dorset, when he saw the boys, who looked about 17.

"I noticed two teenage boys put two toy guns and a rubber duck under their coats and then walk out," he said.

"I started to follow them and when they saw me they started to run so I chased after them.

"I managed to grab hold of one and asked him why he was stealing.

"He denied it and started hitting out a bit but I didn't let go. My wife saw a security guard who was standing by the toilets a few yards away and she went over to him - but he refused to help.

"He said he was too busy and that he couldn't leave the toilets as there was a problem with them and that he had to stop the public from using them.

"He then said to let the boy go. I was amazed - all I wanted was help.

"But he wouldn't even take ten seconds out to call the police.

"The boy was smirking and laughing at this and as soon as I let go he ran off.

"I am flabbergasted - I don't think I'll bother trying to do the right thing in future."

Jerry Stampfer, manager at the Dolphin Centre, said security staff were "not employed to prevent shoplifting" but to "protect the health and safety of the public".

The guard could have intervened only had he witnessed the theft or been invited to act by staff at Wilkinsons, he explained.

Had the guard detained someone after being asked to by a member of the public, he could have been liable for arrest for assault, Mr Stampfer added.

'The security guards' primary function is to look after the health, safety and welfare of the customers and staff within the centre.

"There was an incident in the public toilets at the time and, if the guard left, it would have put the public's health and safety at risk.

"It is not in the guard's brief to intercept shoplifters - that is not what they are there for.

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"Intercepting shoplifters is the job of the staff within Wilkinson and the other stores. However, if shop staff were to phone our guards and personally invite them into the store then they are allowed to assist.

"And if the guard actually saw someone shoplifting then they can get involved and should get involved.

"But if someone runs past shouting, "Stop that man - he has stolen something", and the security guard tries to assist they can be prosecuted for assault.

"The law is very hazardous, you can't simply assist because someone tells you that someone else has committed a crime.

"I can understand why someone would feel aggrieved and let down after they have done their duty as a citizen.

"But the security guards have to work within the law."