Governor Kathy Hochul made a public appearance in Queens on Valentine's Day to address the pressing issue of escalating retail theft, a concern that store owners across New York City have voiced. 

Joined by District Attorney Melinda Katz, Hochul sought to showcase her administration's efforts to tackle the surge in theft incidents, particularly those categorized as smash-and-grab robberies, which have become increasingly common in recent months.

According to The City, Hochul highlighted her administration's pilot initiative to curtail retail theft, wherein individuals caught stealing are issued trespass notices that authorize their arrest upon returning to the same store. 

The program has seen some success, with 318 businesses in Queens participating, resulting in 329 individuals being served with trespass notices. Notably, only 29 individuals violated the orders, suggesting a degree of deterrence.

Despite Hochul's optimism about the initiative's effectiveness, many store owners and retail theft experts remain skeptical about its impact. 

They argue that smash-and-grab incidents represent only a fraction of the larger problem and that the governor's efforts may need to sufficiently address the multifaceted nature of retail theft.

READ NEXT: New York AG Now Wants Donald Trump to Be Banned From Doing Real Estate Business in the State for Life: Here's What to Know

New York City's Solution to Theft Cases

Governor Hochul's data presentation revealed staggering losses, with retail theft amounting to $4.4 billion in 2022, resulting in a substantial loss of sales taxes estimated at $176 million. 

Aside from that, a study conducted by the Council on Criminal Justice highlighted New York City's alarming 64% increase in shoplifting incidents between 2019 and mid-2023, outpacing other major cities like Los Angeles.

Robert McCrie, a prominent expert in retail theft and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, raised concerns about the inadequacy of existing deterrent measures, particularly for misdemeanor offenses, which often go unpunished due to legal thresholds.

In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Hochul proposed a series of measures aimed at addressing organized theft rings, enhancing penalties for the resale of stolen goods, and allocating funding for law enforcement and small businesses. However, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's skepticism and resistance from progressive groups underscore the challenges of implementing legislative solutions.

Storeowners and officials of New York both call for a collaborative effort between government agencies, law enforcement, and the business community to combat retail theft effectively and protect New York City stores.

READ MORE: Citibank Sued by New York State Over Failure to Protect, Reimburse Victims of Fraud