What can a security guard legally do if they catch someone hot-wiring a vehicle in Ontario?

Caught in the act: what a guard can do when someone tries to hot-wire a car

Picture this: a dimly lit parking lot, the hum of streetlights, and a person leaning into a car’s steering column, hands moving fast as if they’re timing a clock. In Ontario, this is exactly the kind of moment security guards train for—when you witness someone attempting to steal or tamper with a vehicle. The big question that pops up in those tense seconds is simple: what can a guard legally do right then and there?

Here’s the thing: in most cases, the right move is a mix of calm intervention, quick decision-making, and knowing your limits. The short version is this: a guard can apply both concepts at once—they can act to prevent a crime and they can, within statutory and policy constraints, detain and hand the matter over to police. In other words, the best answer to the question is “Both of the above.”

Let me explain how that works in practical terms, especially for those studying or working in Ontario’s security environment.

The guard’s role is protection, not punishment

First, think of a security guard as the frontline guardian of property and people. Your job is to deter crime, observe carefully, de-escalate when possible, and connect the right people—the police and property managers—together. When someone is attempting to hot-wire a vehicle, you’re not just protecting a car; you’re protecting the owner’s property, the safety of others nearby, and the integrity of the site.

That protective responsibility is grounded in both policy and the law. In Ontario, security personnel work under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA) and related regulations, along with the security employer’s policies. They’re licensed professionals who carry out duties on behalf of the property owner or manager. In practice, that means you’re empowered to act in situations where you reasonably believe a crime is being committed or is about to be committed, and you’re equipped to do so without unnecessary risk to yourself or others.

Citizen’s arrest in Ontario: what that means in the moment

Now, about the arrest piece. Canadian law recognizes the concept of a private citizen arrest in specific circumstances. In Ontario, if you witness a crime being committed or immediately after one has occurred, you may detain someone briefly to hand them over to police. The key is “reasonable” and “in the presence of” the crime. It’s not a free pass to rough up someone or to improvise a punishment. It’s a measured step to prevent the crime from continuing or to ensure the suspect is secured until the police arrive.

There’s a useful nuance here: the act of detaining or arresting as a security guard is often described through two lenses. One is as the agent of the property—the owner’s representative empowered to intervene in a way that helps protect assets. The other is under the general framework of citizen’s arrest, where the guard’s actions must align with the law and with safety considerations. The bottom line is: you can intervene in the act, and you can detain, but you should do so with reasonable force, proportional to the risk, and with a clear plan to call police.

Why both A and B can apply

Let’s map it to the multiple-choice idea you might see in a study guide or training note. If you catch someone attempting to hot-wire a vehicle:

• A. Arrest the person because you found them committing a crime. You’ve witnessed behavior that could be the crime of theft or attempted theft, so there is a basis for arrest or detention under the law.

• B. Arrest the person as they are an agent of the property. You’re acting on behalf of the property owner to protect premises and assets, which gives you additional authority to intervene and to detain the suspect until authorities arrive.

• C. Both of the above. Yes. The act of witnessing a crime gives you grounds to intervene, and your role as the property’s agent reinforces your ability to detain in a way that supports the owner’s security goals and cooperates with law enforcement.

• D. None of the above. Not accurate in standard practice, given the legal framework and typical policy guidance.

So, the correct option isn’t about clever phrasing; it’s about understanding two intertwined roles: stopping the crime in progress and acting as the property’s steward. It’s a balancing act, and it’s where training matters most.

What “intervening” looks like in real life

Intervening isn’t about heroics; it’s about smart, safe action. Here are practical steps guards can take in the heat of the moment, drawn from standard training and Ontario norms:

• Assess quickly, then stabilize. Before you rush in, scan for obvious dangers—other people nearby, traffic, weapons, or unpredictable behavior. If you can intervene safely, do so. If not, your priority is to prevent harm and to create a stable situation for authorities.

• Communicate clearly. Use a calm, firm voice. State who you are, who you represent (the property owner), and that you’re requesting the person stop what they’re doing and remain where they are until police arrive.

• Detain with care. If the suspect doesn’t comply, detain using the minimum amount of force necessary to prevent escape or harm. The goal is control, not punishment. Place the person in a safe, monitored area if possible, and avoid procedures that could escalate danger.

• Preserve evidence. Don’t touch their belongings or rummage through pockets unnecessarily. Note distinctive details—the vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate if visible, the suspect’s clothing, color of hair, any tools or devices they were using, and the sequence of events.

• Call police and document. Contact police immediately and provide a clear, concise handoff: what you observed, where it happened, the suspect’s description, and what you did. If your site has incident-report software or logbooks, fill them out with precise times and actions.

• Don’t police the whole street. You’re there to protect the property and people, not to become a vigilante. If the situation becomes unsafe, retreat to a safe location and await law enforcement.

A note on use of force and liability

Ontario security personnel aren’t allowed to act like law enforcement officers. They follow a use of force continuum, which means force should be proportional, reasonable, and necessary. The goal is to stop harm and preserve the possibility of a peaceful resolution, not to intimidate or retaliate.

This is where employer policies matter. Many security teams have written guidelines that detail what’s permissible on the property, what counts as reasonable detention, how to communicate with police, and when to disengage. Those internal rules exist to protect you and the client, and they’re a big reason why you’ll see consistent training across sites.

A more realistic tangent you’ll appreciate: the same principles apply to everyday life, too. If you’re a driver and you see someone trying to hot-wire a car in a lot, you don’t have the same authority as a guard, but you do have a responsibility to keep yourself and others safe. The moment you contact authorities and provide a clear description, you’ve already turned a potentially ugly incident into a coordinated response.

After the moment: what happens next

Once law enforcement arrives, your job isn’t done. You’ll provide a concise briefing: what happened, what you observed, and what you did. You’ll share any evidence you collected and pass along your notes. If the suspect is taken into custody, the police will determine the appropriate next steps, including any charges, disputes over detention, or questions about the use of force.

If the suspect is released, you’ll still need to document the incident and review the site’s security footage. If the vehicle belongs to a business, the owner or facility manager might want a debrief to tighten up procedures. It’s all about learning from the event, not dwelling on it.

Training, compliance, and staying sharp

Ontario’s security landscape rewards steady, lawful action. Here are a few practical ways to stay on top of things:

• Keep up with PSISA requirements. Understand your licensing, the duties you’re allowed to perform, and the standards you’re expected to meet. Your agency’s compliance team can help you stay current with any regulatory updates.

• Know the Criminal Code basics. Private arbitration of arrests isn’t your job; you’re there to deter, observe, and report. That said, knowing when a citizen’s arrest is permissible helps you act confidently and safely.

• Practice scenario-based drills. Real-life simulations—like a mock car-theft attempt—help you rehearse responding, detaining, and communicating in a controlled environment. It’s more helpful than memorizing abstract rules.

• Embrace documentation. A quick, precise incident report saves everyone time and reduces confusion later. Write what you saw, heard, and did, plus any witnesses or camera footage you relied on.

• Leverage technology. On-site cameras, license-plate readers (where appropriate and legal), and reporting apps make it easier to coordinate with police and to keep an accurate trail of events.

• Learn from every incident. Even a close call is a chance to refine your approach. Talk through what went well, what didn’t, and how your team can improve.

Turning theory into calm, capable action

So, what happens when a guard catches someone attempting to hot-wire a vehicle? You intervene in a way that’s lawful, safe, and respectful of the property and people around you. You may detain or arrest in a manner that aligns with the law and the property’s policies, all while staying calm and focused. You call the police, you document meticulously, and you hand the scene over to the authorities when they arrive.

The reason this matters isn’t just about a single incident. It’s about building trust with the community you’re serving, and it’s about proving that security work is a serious, principled craft. You’re not just watching a parking lot—you’re safeguarding livelihoods, preventing loss, and preserving a sense of safety that allows people to go about their days with a bit more confidence.

A quick bite of perspective

If you’re new to this line of work, know that the nerves you feel in that moment are normal. It’s a high-stakes balance between assertive action and restraint. The car in the lot isn’t just metal and rubber; it’s someone’s time, money, and effort. Your role is to protect that, without inflaming the situation or creating new risks.

As you gain experience, you’ll start to notice the subtle signals: the way a potential thief stalls when you approach, the body language that tells you someone might be about to bolt, or the quiet certainty you feel when you’ve done the right thing and the police are on their way. Those little moments are what separate good guards from great ones.

Final takeaway: the guard’s toolkit in practice

• You can intervene when you witness a crime being attempted.

• You can detain or arrest as the property’s agent, in line with the law and your employer’s policies.

• You should prioritize safety, evidence preservation, and clear communication.

• You should hand things over to police as soon as they’re on scene, with thorough documentation.

• You should train consistently, stay informed about the law, and use your tools to support a calm, lawful response.

In the end, the goal isn’t drama; it’s protection. If you’re on a lot in Ontario and you see a car being tampered with, you’re not just dealing with a potential loss of property. You’re safeguarding a moment in someone’s day, preserving safety for others nearby, and taking careful, principled steps to bring the situation to a lawful close.

Questions tend to come up in those moments—about what you can and can’t do, about the line between prevention and persuasion, about when to call for help. The best answer isn’t a rule of thumb; it’s a practiced, confident application of training, a clear understanding of your role as the property’s guardian, and a steady respect for the law. That’s the blend that makes a security professional both effective and trustworthy on any Ontario site.