For what primary reason might a Private Security Officer (PSO) working in a shop detain a suspect?

The primary reason a Private Security Officer (PSO) working in a shop might detain a suspect is to recover property that has been unlawfully taken. This is rooted in the role of a PSO, which often involves protecting the assets of the business they serve. When a PSO observes someone committing theft or shoplifting, their primary duty is to safeguard the store's property.

In many jurisdictions, a private security officer has the legal authority to detain an individual who is suspected of stealing, provided the detention is reasonable and conducted in a manner consistent with the law. The focus here is on the recovery of stolen goods, which is a justified action within the officer's responsibility to maintain security and protect the interests of the retail establishment.

While citizen's arrest and detaining for questioning may occur in some situations, they are not the primary focus for a PSO in a retail environment. Additionally, avoiding a lawsuit is more of a concern related to liability rather than a primary reason for detaining a suspect. The core mission revolves around the immediate need to recover unlawfully taken property, making that the correct answer in this context.