Cuomo Releases Public Safety Plan to Crack Down on Retail Theft Rings & Stop Fencing Operations On the Streets & Online
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, candidate for Mayor of New York City, released his latest plank in his public safety plan that will dedicate more police resources to cracking down on retail theft and closing down fencing operations for these stolen goods on the streets and on online e-commerce companies.
Retail theft has skyrocketed nearly 60 percent from pre-pandemic levels, with local stores taking a financial hit and their employees placed in harm’s way. 'Shoplifting gone bad' incidents—robberies involving force or threats of force—have nearly doubled since 2019, threatening the safety of workers, shoppers, and businesses.
“Roving criminal networks that rip off our small businesses and put public safety at risk cannot be the new normal for New York City," Governor Cuomo said. “As mayor, I pledge to rapidly increase the size of the NYPD and with these new resources we will target these bad actors, make sure they are no longer allowed to operate with virtual impunity, and close down the illicit markets that these thieves sell their stolen goods in once and for all.”
The cornerstone of Cuomo’s public safety plan is increasing the NYPD headcount by 15 percent - or 5,000 officers. Among the initiatives to be supported with this additional manpower, Cuomo will direct the NYPD to:
- Target Repeat Offenders: A small number of habitual offenders are responsible for a disproportionate amount of retail theft. Law enforcement must focus on identifying and holding these individuals accountable.
- Increase investigatory Resources: More rigorous police work will help identify theft patterns and prevent crimes before they escalate.
- Crack Down on Fencing Operations: Stolen goods are often resold through street vendors and online platforms. The city must enforce its Nuisance Abatement Program and pressure e-commerce companies to crack down on illicit sales.
Other planks of the of public safety platform included robust e-bike regulation and adopting a hand-in-hand strategy of precision policing and neighborhood improvements to help stamp out high-crime hot spots.
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