Rising retail crime impacting local stores

TOWN OF MANLIUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Retail crime, it’s happening at an alarming rate in almost every corner of the state, including right here in Central New York. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new $45 million plan to stop retail theft.

“If we continue on this trajectory then we’re going to more than triple our responses to those larceny complaints,” said Sgt. Ken Hatter, Town of Manlius Police Department.

A troubling trend that’s only getting worse in the town of Manlius. Just last year, nearly 80 larceny calls and thefts were reported to police, and 2024 is already off to a rocky start.

“This year we appear to be going on an average of three to four times per week, so its definitely an increase,” said Hatter.

A big concern for business owners, especially some of the larger retail stores, like Kohl’s, Target and Sephora in Fayetteville’s Towne Center. Police say it doesn’t matter the time or day, with shoplifters stealing as much as they can.

“Typically its in the several hundred to over a thousand dollars worth of product,” said Hatter.

So who are these shoplifters?

“They might be new to this particular area, they might have arrests somewhere else but they come out here for whatever reason,” said Hatter.

Luckily, the department can typically get a head start on tracking down the thieves, with help from loss and prevention officers.

“So far nothing crazy, no weapons or high speed chases or anything. But you know you always want to be careful,” said Hatter.

However, its still a concerning issue not just in the town of Manlius but also across the state. On Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $45 million plan to crack down on organized retail theft. The anti-theft plan is part of Hochul’s executive budget proposal, which includes $25 million for a dedicated retail theft in the New York State Police. Part of the plan also includes $15 million for District Attorneys and local police agencies, another $5 million would help cover security costs for businesses, and legislation to help protect retail store employees from assault.

Early next week, a public safety business symposium sponsored by the Chief’s Business Advisory Committee will be held. Local police agencies will be meeting with local business owners to discuss this ongoing issue, and ways to combat the rise in retail theft.

“They’re going to discuss some of these retail thefts and things that you can do, like what to see, what to look for, how to report it, what to expect when police respond. So again, I think its another way of educating the public and business owners and to help combat this kind of theft rise that we’ve been seeing,” said Hatter.

A community effort to reduce retail crime.