ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul is touting another budget item that cracks down on retail theft.
The new protections signed into law give more power to law enforcement, prosecutors, and business owners, as well as increase protections for people working in the industry.
Small businesses are eligible for a $5 million tax credit for adding security measures and the law increases penalties for anyone who assaults a retail worker.
“It won’t just be a misdemeanor anymore. You think it’s okay to walk in and assault a retail worker? You’ll be charged with a felony. There are serious consequences to this. Serious consequences,” said Hochul.
Other components of the law would make it harder for thieves to re-sell stolen goods, and work with state and local police to create retail theft teams.