What legal requirement is generally necessary for store employees to apprehend a shoplifter?

The correct answer is based on the legal principle known as "shopkeeper's privilege," which allows store employees to detain a suspected shoplifter under certain conditions. A foundational requirement of this privilege is that an employee must have directly witnessed the theft occurring without interference. This first-hand observation is crucial as it establishes probable cause for the detention that protects the retailer from potential legal repercussions related to false imprisonment or wrongful detention claims.

Having an employee witness the act ensures that they can accurately assess the situation and verify that a theft has indeed taken place, rather than relying on assumptions or second-hand reports. This critical element not only enhances the legitimacy of the apprehension but also serves to safeguard the rights of both the store and the suspected thief within legal boundaries.

The other options lack the essential legal framework or requirements necessary for an employee's action in these circumstances. For instance, prior offenses or the necessity for video evidence do not solely validate the act of apprehension. The use of force is also highly regulated and typically not justified without clear and immediate threat, further emphasizing the importance of a witnessed theft in validating an employee's actions.