New York State Police say their Organized Retail Theft Task Force has recovered more than $2.6 million in stolen merchandise since launching expanded anti-theft initiatives in April 2024.
According to new data released by the agency, the task force — working alongside local law enforcement across the state — has conducted 1,006 operations, resulting in 1,224 arrests and 2,146 criminal charges tied to retail theft.
Officials say the coordinated effort is helping reverse a surge in store thefts that escalated during the pandemic. From January through June of this year, New York City saw a 13.6% drop in retail theft, while larceny cases outside the city declined 13% compared to the same period in 2024.
State Police say the crackdown will continue as retailers and law enforcement push back against organized shoplifting crews and repeat offenders.
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