ONEIDA, N.Y. (WWTI) – The New York State Police arrested 19 people on 68 charges during a three-day crackdown on organized retail theft across Syracuse, Watertown, and Utica.
The enforcement detail took place Aug. 6-8 in response to assistance requests from retail store security personnel. State police units, including the Troop D Community Stabilization Unit and the Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, carried out the coordinated operation in three locations.
The 68 charges included 31 felonies along with 37 misdemeanors and violations. Specific charges included grand larceny, burglary, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy, criminal possession of an anti-security item and falsifying business records. Investigators reported $11,650.60 in stolen merchandise, with troopers recovering $6,396.44 worth of goods to return to affected stores…