The New York State budget agreement between lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul includes 40 million dollars dedicated to stopping retail theft.
The money will be spread out to state and local police and district attorneys offices to specifically zero in on retail theft. Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon is pleased.
"It means we can set up a retail crime unit that focus and bring that laser like focus."
The budget also includes more severe penalties for assaulting retail workers and a tax credit for businesses to install security features like cameras. Retail theft has been a big problem, with larceny offenses in New York City up 51 percent between 2017 and 2023.