Shoplifting incidents in New York City have decreased by 13% compared to the same period last year, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday. The decline is attributed to a $40 million task force initiative launched by the state to combat the surge in retail theft that began during the pandemic.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and ensuring their protection. She highlighted the efforts of the New York State Police Organized Retail Theft Task Force, which has recovered over $2.6 million in stolen goods since April 2024. The task force, consisting of 100 dedicated officers, has conducted more than 1,000 operations, resulting in 1,224 arrests and 2,146 charges, according to official reports.
The initiative also includes increased penalties for assaults on retail workers and a $5 million tax credit to help small businesses enhance security measures. Hochul noted that retail theft had risen by 68% since the pandemic, causing significant losses for businesses. However, the recent decrease in theft rates is a positive sign as the holiday shopping season approaches…