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Governor Hochul Plans $40M to Combat Organized Retail Theft
Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to combat organized retail theft in New York State, including allocating $40 million to help local law enforcement agencies establish task forces dedicated to addressing the issue. The state budget also includes measures to elevate the assault of a retail worker from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Hochul emphasized that the thefts are not isolated incidents but rather orchestrated by transnational criminal organizations using the internet as a marketplace. The budget aims to make it illegal to sell stolen goods and prosecute third-party sellers profiting from such activities. Additionally, the budget includes a $5 million tax incentive to assist businesses in increasing security personnel for loss prevention.
“We’re also making it illegal to foster the sale of stolen goods. We’re going to make sure that prosecutors can charge third-party sellers who are profiting off the misery of our stores.” Hochul said during a press conference.
- ◦Financing