New York retailers lost $4.4 billion due to rampant store theft in 2022: ‘People are losing their jobs’

New York retailers reported losing $4.4 billion in 2022 as a result of organized theft and theft, according to the report. New York Post reported.

Store owners across the state are urging New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul to take action to address the rampant theft crisis that has forced some stores to close. Retailers have warned that the current problem of shoplifting could lead to higher costs for consumers and violence against store staff.

Last week, Hochul rejected a bill that would have formed a 15-member task force dedicated to combating organized retail theft. The members would have been responsible for creating a list of recommendations to prevent ongoing criminal activity.

According to a Hochul spokesperson, the proposal was rejected because it was not included in the state budget and would cost approximately $35 million. The governor suggested a task force could be included in the next budget.

Melissa O’Connor of the New York State Retail Council said the retail group was “extremely disappointed” with the governor’s decision. She called for repeat offenders to be held accountable and urged Hochul to take “immediate action.”

“She made it very clear that retail theft prevention will be a priority for her administration and we look forward to working with her to achieve results,” O’Connor said of Hochul.

Law enforcement agencies across the state have been reporting an increase in retail thefts, blaming progressive, soft-on-crime prosecutors.

The New York Police Department previously reported that 327 people carried out more than a third of retail thefts in 2022. Those people were arrested a total of 6,000 times, according to the department.

Kent Sopris, president of the New York Convenience Store Association, warned that rampant shoplifting is “statewide” and noted that business owners are reporting an increase in all types of crime. Sopris told the Post that convenience store employees are “at extreme risk.”

“My members have reported robberies that leave stores in ruins as criminals search for cigarettes, lottery tickets and anything they can get their hands on,” he said. “In fact, one store reported that a shoplifter threw a cup of coffee at an employee.”

Albany County District Attorney David Soares told the Union of times that organized retail theft has worsened due to lenient bail laws.

“Retail theft is reshaping communities of color and closing stores in spaces that need them most,” Soares said. “Pharmacies and supermarkets are closing important shopping corridors for Black and Brown consumers. “People are losing their jobs as businesses close due to rampant retail theft.”

“Thieves who would have been in a local jail in 2019 are now released to continue stealing and academics want you to believe that corporate greed is to blame and not thieves raiding the shelves of your local retailer. It is a false narrative and simply irresponsible,” she added.

Earlier this month, Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched a working group to combat retail theft in the city. The task force will be comprised of retailers, law enforcement officials and other community members to advise Adams on legislative proposals to curb rampant theft.

The National Retail Foundation reported national losses of $112 billion in 2022, the Times Union reported.

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