Gov. Cathy Hochul declared war on shoplifting Tuesday, saying theft at New York retail stores has gotten out of control and many items are being left locked in stores.
Hochul announced a multi-pronged plan to tackle the scourge of shoplifting, including toughening penalties for offenders who assault retail workers.
“I say, 'No more!' The chaos has to stop!” she said at the 2024 State of the Union address in Albany.
The governor's plan would create a new crime category to prosecute those who sell stolen goods online and create a new “smash-and-grab unit” in the New York State Police to prosecute thieves. .
Hochul also vowed to provide dedicated funding to district attorneys to prosecute property crimes, primarily retail theft.
She noted that grand larceny crimes have increased by double digits compared to pre-coronavirus pandemic numbers in 2020.
Other initiatives proposed in the governor's plan include:
- Launch a new joint state, local, and federal retail theft operation modeled after existing gun enforcement task forces.
- Expanding the work of the Crime Analysis Center to collect evidence from retailers affected by organized crime and share it with police to enhance investigations and prosecutions.
- Provides tax credits to help merchants cover security costs and shoplifting losses.
“Retail thefts are on the rise across the country and states, creating fear among customers and employees. Thieves brazenly rip merchandise off shelves and threaten employees.” Hochul said.
“Owners are replacing broken windows and stolen goods, leaving them bankrupt and forcing many out of business. These attacks are…a breakdown in social order.”
She pointed out that due to shoplifting, baby formula and other essentials are “trapped behind plastic panels” in stores.
But her plan apparently didn't include particularly harsh penalties for serial shoplifters.
Retailers praised Hochul for making shoplifting a public safety issue, but said tougher penalties were needed to deter theft.
“We are pleased with the governor's support for workers. Increasing penalties for assaulting workers is a big part of our agenda,” said Nelson, leader of the National Supermarket Association. Eusabio said.
Although he liked other efforts, he said he was disappointed that Hochul's plan did not include tougher penalties for serial shoplifters.
“The only way to deter shoplifters is to increase penalties and impose prison terms. What is the deterrent?” Eusabio said.
Other retail groups said Hochul's plan is a good start.
“Retail workers, who are considered ‘essential workers’ in the midst of a pandemic, need our support, and we are pleased that Governor Kathy Hochul is tackling this issue head-on.” Collective Action to Protect Stores said in a statement.
“For too long, retail workers have been repeatedly attacked in stores, but Albany lawmakers have an opportunity to truly advocate for them by including them in this year's budget. .”
The New York State Retail Council said it was “encouraged” by Hochul's comprehensive plan.
“We've been prioritizing many of these initiatives for quite some time,” Retail Council President Melissa O'Connor said.
“Coordination between agencies at the state and local level is critical to identifying emerging trends and the worst offenders, and we strongly support the appointment of a dedicated prosecutor for cases involving retail theft.” I do,” she said.
“This criminal activity goes far beyond the economic loss to retailers and threatens the safety of store employees and the community. Governor Hochul has taken the time to understand the seriousness of these challenges. We will work closely with the governor's administration to ensure each initiative is implemented in 2024.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Jeff Dinowitz (D-Bronx), despite the governor's absence, charged repeat shoplifters with fourth-degree grand larceny (a Class E felony that can be a bailable crime). He said he would “of course” continue to push for prosecution. plan.
He said Hochul's proposal was “a step in the right direction.”
