• Retailers throughout New York State are expressing concerns about the escalating epidemic of organized shoplifting rings, noting the potential for more store closures, heightened costs for consumers, and threats of violence against store employees.
• Store owners reported losses of $4.4 billion last year due to retail theft, underscoring the urgency for Governor Kathy Hochul to address the issue.
• Despite this urgency, Hochul vetoed a bipartisan bill last week, much to the disappointment of store owners. The bill aimed to establish a task force dedicated to combating organized theft.

Tagged: Crime Blotter