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Retail crime persists in Albany County
ALBANY COUNTY – In our blotters this week, it was just four people that were charged with 15 incidents of retail theft by two police departments, Colonie and Bethlehem.
In 2024, local officials shined a spotlight on the growing problem of organized retail theft and individuals that were taking advantage of relaxed state laws for lower-level crimes. Although changes to bail guidelines were put in place last year, the problem still exists when the accused do not show up for court to face prosecution.
Used as an example of the need for a law change in 2024, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple referred to a man who was arrested 22 times in 2023 for retail crimes in Albany County. Gino Guadagno, 30, who is homeless, was that person…