Posted on 11/28/2023 8:29:57 AM PST by Twotone
New York retailers reported losing $4.4 billion in 2022 as a result of shoplifting and organized theft, the New York Post reported.
Store owners across the state are urging New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul to take action to address the rampant theft crisis that has forced some store closures. Retailers warned that the ongoing shoplifting problem could lead to increased costs for consumers and violence against store staff.
Last week, Hochul rejected a proposed 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 the ongoing criminal activity.
According to a spokesperson for Hochul, the proposal was rejected because it was not included in the state’s budget and would cost approximately $35 million. The governor suggested that a task force may be included in the upcoming budget.
Melissa O’Connor, with the Retail Council of New York State, said that the group of retailers was “extremely disappointed” with the governor’s decision. She called for repeat criminals to be held accountable and urged Hochul to take “immediate action.”
“She made it abundantly 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 theft, pointing the blame at progressive, soft-on-crime prosecutors.
The New York Police Department previously reported that 327 people perpetrated over a third of the retail thefts in 2022. Those individuals were arrested a total of 6,000 times, according to the department.
Kent Sopris, president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores, warned that the 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 theft that leaves stores in shambles as criminals seek cigarettes, lottery tickets, and anything they can get their hands on,” he stated. “In fact one store reported a thief threw a pot of coffee at a clerk.”
Albany County District Attorney David Soares told the Times Union that organized retail theft has worsened due to lenient bail laws.
“Retail theft is reshaping communities of color and shuttering stores in spaces needing them most,” Soares said. “Pharmacies and supermarkets are closing along important commercial corridors for black and brown consumers. People are losing their jobs because of business closures due to rampant retail thefts.”
“Thieves that would have been sitting in a local jail in 2019 are now released to continue to steal and the academics want you to believe the fault is due to corporate greed and not thieves raiding shelves at your local retailer. It’s a false narrative, and It’s just irresponsible,” he added.
Earlier this month, New York City Democratic Mayor Eric Adams launched a task force to combat retail theft in the city. The task force will comprise retailers, law enforcement officials, and other community members to advise Adams on legislative proposals to curb rampant theft.
The National Retail Foundation reported national shrinkage losses of $112 billion in 2022, the Times Union reported.
This is why criminals should never be allowed to vote because then you have to start pandering to them at the expense of everyone else.
This shoplifting problem can easily be solved by importing more illegal immigrants.
Or maybe not.
No comment needed. Just reposting for emphasis.
Heres an idea. Begin actually severely punishing criminals again and we will call the last 3 years reparations. The whole soft on crime thing went exactly as one would think. Of course this would mean a certain group of folks would need to admit their policy was trash and change or the folks being victimized most need to throw them out. History says neither is happening soon.
Comrades! Do not be deceived by capitalist pig propaganda! So-called ‘shoplifting’ is being used as an excuse to close stores that serve oppressed BIPOC communities. The solution is government-owned stores for everyone. The shopping experience must be the same for everyone in the name of equity.
/s
Women, children and minorities hit hardest
No comment needed. Just reposting for emphasis.
So 327 people committed 1.1 billion dollars in retail thefts in NYC?
She'll sign a bill legalizing theft, she's that screwy. Quite possibly the dumbest Governor in history.
Was about to post that as well. On average the 327 people were arrested 18.3 times. Which means being arrested means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to the criminals and NO ONE in the administration of justice cares to do anything about it. It’s a lazy and dangerous approach to crime that will inspire more crime, including violent crime.
NY retailers lost $4.4 billion
Only to some slackers call it a discount.
One must understand democrat jive.
NEWSOM just put the Calif Highway Patrol in charge of stopping retail theft.
Speeding & accidents to be considered 2nd in line, I guess.
Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:12-14
“She made it abundantly 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.
According to a spokesperson for Hochul, the proposal was rejected because it was not included in the state’s budget and would cost approximately $35 million. The governor suggested that a task force may be included in the upcoming budget.
Me: So she does not care one wit. She is a democrat and favors the criminals 100%.
“The New York Police Department previously reported that 327 people perpetrated over a third of the retail thefts in 2022. Those individuals were arrested a total of 6,000 times, according to the department. “
Me: Put those people in prison for a long time.
This would solve 1/3 of the crime.
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