The NYPD is successfully combating shoplifting, taking repeat offenders out of commission to help reduce retail theft by 20% so far this year. Changes in state law, pushed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, have allowed authorities to more effectively target serial crooks. The NYPD Chief of Department Michael LiPetri credits this success to changes allowing authorities to combine stolen goods from multiple stores to charge heavier charges and seek bail. The department also implemented multiple strategies, including increased street patrols in shoplifting hotspots. The city has seen nearly 3,000 fewer reported shoplifting incidents in the first quarter of 2026, with double digit declines in every borough compared to the same period in 2025.