The Impact of Shoplifting on NYC Retailers

According to Cash Jordan, a New York City resident and reporter, "the crime of shoplifting in New York City has gotten out of hand by a 44% increase, and it is not only taking a toll on the residents but also affecting businesses." Chain drug stores like Walgreens and CVS are driven to closure, resulting in empty shelves and boarded-up windows. Big stores like Walmart and Macy's follow the same proactive strategy in the high theft areas, closing their outlets. This is a major problem in many areas, particularly because those stores are the ones that provide the major services and job opportunities to the local inhabitants.

Regrettably, newly installed plastic cages and surveillance cameras have failed to curb the incidence of theft. Although a new program worth $45 million has been initiated to thwart violent shoplifting, the fact is that it does not monitor thefts without the use of weapons, which are the majority of occurrences. For example, as one merchant manager stated, "For the last year, this has been our number one concern"

The city's measures, which include bail reform and a ban on plastic bags, among others, have backfired in relation to thieves. However, limitations to who may profit from $1000 theft schemes are relatively small, thus making permissive stealing way easier for customers who can just bring back their own bags filled with stuff. Police are allegedly not sympathetic to shop owners whose shops are damaged, the shop owner if fined by them is accused of backing their own criminals.

Certainly, the negative effects are remarkable. The workplaces in the retail sector, which are very important for a lot of people, are becoming less and less. This makes things more complicated for citizens, especially young people when it comes to getting a job and rising in society. Shoplifting is a significant crisis that is transforming New York City in a way that might be unchangeable.

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