Governor Kathy Hochul met with business leaders in Harlem to discuss the state’s recent progress in addressing organized retail theft in New York City and across New York State.
After a notable increase in organized retail theft following the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Hochul implemented several measures, including more than $40 million for law enforcement initiatives, stronger laws targeting offenders, and new protections for retail workers. As a result of these actions, New York City has seen retail theft decline by over 12 percent year-over-year—nearly 5,000 fewer incidents—and a 5 percent decrease statewide.
“Retail theft and quality-of-life crimes impact more than just the businesses who experience them — they impact entire neighborhoods. That is why I dedicated tremendous resources last year to fight the scourge of organized retail crime,” Governor Hochul said. “While today’s numbers represent significant progress in the fight against retail theft, we will not back down. I remain committed to supporting our businesses and their workers to restore a sense of security and peace of mind for shoppers and store owners alike.”
Crime data indicates that there was a sharp rise in retail theft immediately after the pandemic as businesses resumed normal operations. In response, under the FY2025 State Budget, new policies were enacted. These included elevating assault on a retail worker from misdemeanor to felony if physical injury occurs; allowing prosecutors to aggregate stolen goods’ value across stores under one criminal scheme; making it illegal to facilitate sales of stolen goods through any channel; allocating $40.2 million for Retail Theft Teams within law enforcement agencies; and providing $5 million for small business security tax credits.
The state is now projected to see retail theft return to pre-pandemic levels. Other crime metrics have also improved: New York City has experienced more than a four percent reduction in index crime and an 11 percent drop in felony robberies. Shootings are down nearly 20 percent while murders have declined by 21 percent.
“While today’s numbers represent significant progress in the fight against retail theft, we will not back down. I remain committed to supporting our businesses and their workers to restore a sense of security and peace of mind for shoppers and store owners alike.”
Governor Kathy Hochul
Jessica Walker, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, commented: “In recent months, many storefront businesses have told us they feel the difference and that New York has turned a corner on bringing down crime and addressing retail theft. There is more work to do but we are thankful that Governor Hochul’s legislative policies on retail theft and discovery reform appear to be working as we had hoped.”
Melissa O’Connor, President and CEO of the Retail Council of New York State, stated: “Today’s announcement regarding the decline in retail theft throughout New York is a result of strong and consistent collaboration among retailers, law enforcement, prosecutors, community groups and Governor Hochul. Organized retail crime and habitual retail theft is more than just a financial loss for retailers investing in the state, it is a community safety issue that needs to be managed accordingly. I want to thank the governor for listening to the industry’s concerns several months ago, and importantly, for taking effective action. We will continue to partner with all stakeholders to ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience in New York State.”
State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda said: “I congratulate Governor Hochul on her successful measures to combat organized retail theft. The $40 million investment to combat organized retail theft is yielding real results — with a more than 12 percent drop in retail theft in New York City and 5 percent statewide. By strengthening protections for retail workers, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing $5 million in tax credits to help small businesses improve security, the Governor is protecting both workers and consumers while restoring confidence in our local economy. These efforts show that strategic investments in safety can make our communities stronger while also protecting consumers.”
Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz added: “Whether an individual is a business owner, retail worker or customer, everyone deserves to have safe retail experiences in New York. Businesses are the backbone of New York and need the proper resources and attention to continue thriving. Investments in additional law enforcement, tax credits for small businesses and changes in criminal penalties have shown to be an effective way of reducing retail theft throughout the State while increasing protections for retail workers. By cracking down on this issue, Governor Hochul is putting the safety of New Yorkers as a top priority, ensuring success for us all.”
A positive trend follows recent operations targeting large-scale international shoplifting rings announced by Governor Hochul alongside Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz late last year—these cases marked first use of strengthened anti-theft laws by newly established Retail Theft Teams within State Police.
Governor Hochul continues broader public safety investments with nearly $3 billion allocated toward such efforts so far.
