BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – New York officals are making sure stolen goods don’t make it under the Christmas tree.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $40 million plan to cut back on retail theft.
That money will add 100 New York state police troopers expanding a federal and state law enforcement partnership to target theft.
According to Hochul, the average family pays an estimated $500 or more a year because of organized retail theft.
“Think about that. The families that are struggling, trying to put food on the table — especially as we come to needing a lot of food this Thursday — it’s going to be an expensive day for people. Their costs should not be higher because thieves stole goods and had to force the owners of the stores to drive up their costs on the products,” said Hochul.
Hochul said the investment will combat random crimes as well as organized retail theft.