Photo Courtesy of Mayoral Photography Office
“City businesses are the lifeblood of our economic recovery, and we are not going to stand by and let criminals undermine our economy and the livelihood of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams.
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams earlier this month hosted a summit to create a citywide strategic prevention plan to combat retail theft across the five boroughs.
The summit included the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Office of the Attorney General, all five of the city’s District Attorney’s Offices, and mental health and social service providers, as well as leaders of the retail industry, representatives from chambers of commerce, various Business Improvement Districts (BID), organized labor, advocacy organizations, and statewide and national retail associations—including the Queens Chamber of Commerce—all coming together to discuss policy ideas and creative solutions to tackle the increase in retail theft, which will be released in a report next year.
“New York City businesses are the lifeblood of our economic recovery, and we are not going to stand by and let criminals undermine our economy and the livelihood of New Yorkers,” said Adams. “Our retail stores have my commitment that we will continue to work towards real, long-lasting solutions on the issue of retail theft. The vast participation at today’s summit sends a clear and unified message that will not allow anyone to simply walk away with impunity when they take something without paying for it.”
Topics discussed during the summit included leveraging technology to combat retail theft, physical security measures to deter theft, surveillance best practices, diversion programs, and enhancing existing partnerships with law enforcement.
“Retail crime is not only illegal, but it creates a lasting economic impact through increased prices for consumers and fewer jobs for our local workforce,” said Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz. “I look forward to expanding upon our ongoing efforts with meaningful solutions alongside our agency and law enforcement partners to address this growing problem.”
“The message to our retailers and retail workers is that the city is listening and we hear your concerns, but, more importantly, we are coming up with solutions together,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “This summit brought a vast array of perspectives to the table with an end goal of creating a comprehensive, actionable plan that addresses this issue while ensuring public safety, justice, and economic prosperity.”
“Retail theft harms small businesses and New Yorkers who rely on stores in their communities to carry essential goods,” said Attorney General Tish James. “This past May, my office was proud to work with Mayor Adams, the NYPD, and our other partners to break up a massive retail theft ring. We will continue our efforts and coordination with New York City officials to combat retail theft and protect New York consumers and small businesses. I thank Mayor Adams for continuing to make public safety a priority.”
“Mayor Eric Adams today took a bold step to address organized retail crime and store and community safety when he convened the 2022 retail theft summit at Gracie Mansion,” added Melissa O’Connor, president and CEO, Retail Council of New York State. “The mayor recognizes that all stakeholders must think strategically to combat this problem, which presents myriad challenges for stores, employees, and the communities in the five boroughs. It was a pleasure to meet with the mayor, attorney general, district attorneys, NYPD, and community groups throughout the day, and we look forward to implementing the action items agreed upon during the event.”
