California and New York To Crack Down on Retail Theft in 2024

In an announcement this week, the governors of California and New York revealed plans to combat retail crime, while trade associations and police departments advocate for government intervention to address the issue, reports CNBC.

Included in the plan is new legislation crafted to give harsher penalties for retail crime offenses and additional funding to district attorney’s offices and police departments to help them crack down on these crimes.

As voters of both states highlighted this issue as one of their biggest concerns, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who represent the country’s biggest Democratic strongholds, have reacted and made retail theft a high priority in the lineup to the 2024 elections.

New laws have been passed in at least nine states since 2022 that impose bigger penalties for organized retail crime offenses. California and New York could now be added to the list of these states taking more action on this matter. Retailers and trade associations across the nation have been trying to get bills written and passed.

During her State of the State address on Tuesday, Hochul outlined plans to propose legislation establishing criminal penalties for online marketplaces and third-party sellers involved in selling stolen goods. As part of her initiative, she aims to establish two task forces: one dedicated to building cases against organized retail theft rings and another focused on addressing “smash-and-grab” robberies.

In her address, Hochul said, “Across our nation and our state, retail theft has surged, creating fear among customers and workers. Thieves brazenly tear items off shelves and menace employees. Owners go broke replacing broken windows and stolen goods, driving many out of business.” She added, “These attacks are nothing less than a breakdown in the social order. I say: no more. The chaos must end.”

Speaking for California on Wednesday, Newsom said the state will invest $1.1 billion over the course of the next four years to address “safety and security.” According to his office, $373.5 million of the investment will be allocated to cracking down on organized retail theft.

Newsom said in his state budget address that 52 sheriff’s and police departments have already been given $250 million in funding to combat retail theft. He added that district attorney’s offices are receiving support ahead of prosecution too. He emphasized, “We mean business in this space.”