The Growing Crisis of Retail Theft in NYC –  A Plea for Safer Stores

In recent times, stories of retail theft in New York City have become increasingly harrowing, with alarming incidents taking place in supermarkets and stores across the city. From shoplifters assaulting workers to repeat offenders with long arrest records, the problem of retail theft is reaching a critical point. As we move forward, it is crucial for state leaders to prioritize the issue of retail theft, not only to protect retailers but also to ensure the safety of workers and customers. In this article, we shed light on the urgency of the situation and advocate for immediate action to make our stores safer.

Incidents of retail theft are on the rise in New York City. In 2023, through the end of July, shoplifting arrests increased by a significant 19.9%, from 12,412 to 14,877. What’s even more alarming is that these crimes are often committed by repeat offenders. Of those 14,877 arrests, a staggering 64.5% had prior shoplifting arrests before 2023. A mere 386 individuals are responsible for 30% of shoplifting arrests, some with as many as 55 arrests to their name. The situation is unsustainable, and it’s taking a toll on retailers, their employees, and customers.

These incidents of retail theft have not only resulted in financial harm to retailers but have also led to a decrease in profit margins, exacerbated by inflation and rising costs. Stores have been forced to invest in their own security, making it even more challenging to maintain profits. Additionally, the plague of retail theft has compelled stores to lock away appealing items behind protective coverings, creating inefficiencies and eyesores. These measures are necessary to prevent theft but disrupt the shopping experience for customers.

Recognizing the severity of the issue, retailers and supermarkets decided to take action this year by forming the Collective Action to Protect our Stores (CAPS) coalition. CAPS is a coalition of over 10,000 diverse businesses from across New York City and the state, united in their commitment to address retail theft head-on. In Albany, they presented a simple yet impactful set of requests to state legislators to combat retail theft effectively:

Create dedicated NYPD and district attorney units for retail theft.

Call on prosecutors to request bail for repeat-theft offenders and judges to utilize this tool.

Pass legislation to elevate assaults on retail employees and owners to a Class D felony.

Combine charges to upcharge theft and create a new offense for fostering the sale of stolen goods.

Launch a public-service-announcement campaign against shoplifting.

Hold every level of the criminal-justice system accountable for tackling the issue.

Progress and Challenges

While CAPS made significant headway with the introduction of legislation to elevate retail-worker assault to a Class D felony, the bills ultimately did not pass. Instead, a retail-theft task force was proposed, awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s approval. It is crucial for this task force to be established and take concrete steps to address the ongoing issue of retail theft.

The time to act on the crisis of retail theft is now. For the brave retail employees who risk their safety daily to keep New York City running, the protection they deserve cannot wait. We call upon Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the task-force bill, and we urge the Assembly and Senate to make addressing retail theft a top priority. By doing so, we can ensure safer stores for all, protecting both workers and customers from unnecessary harm and financial losses.