Retail theft has spiked in the last six years, plaguing New York businesses, large and small. Some of those small businesses are still recovering from the pandemic, and they now face an increasingly hostile general public as they work to serve and enrich our communities. With these concerns in mind, I’d like to highlight some major provisions included in the more recent New York State budget that addresses some crucial needs.
As of this week, it is now officially a felony to assault a retail worker anywhere in New York. Previously a misdemeanor, it is now enshrined in law that any person who causes physical injury to a retail worker performing their job will be subject to this elevated charge. No one should have to fear injury when they go to work.
Under new provisions, prosecutors are now able to combine the value of stolen goods when filing larceny charges. This will address goods stolen by large criminal schemes and help keep repeat offenders off our streets.
In addition to these new measures of criminal enforcement, there are funds dedicated to bolstering small business and law enforcement efforts. A new $3,000 tax credit is available to any business with 50 or fewer employees that spends the threshold amount of money on retail theft prevention measures such as cameras. Another $40.2 million has been earmarked for dedicated Retail Theft Teams within the State Police, District Attorneys’ offices, and local law enforcement.
While there is always more work to be done to increase public safety, I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken to combat retail theft and protect essential workers. Ensuring the well-being of retail workers and protecting small businesses from theft is vital, and I am grateful to have played a part in getting this legislation passed and funding allocated for Orange County, and all of New
