Overview

• The year-over-year drop covers Jan. 1 to Aug. 24, comparing the same period in 2024 with 2025.
• State data touted by the governor cites more than 1,000 arrests and millions of dollars in stolen goods recovered.
• The recent budget expanded tools for prosecutors to aggregate theft values, increased penalties for assaults on retail workers, and funded enforcement with $40 million plus $5 million in small-business security tax credits.
• Officials also pointed to added State Police resources in New York City as part of joint operations with local authorities.
• Reporting notes a 12% decline in New York City and a 5% dip statewide, while business groups say stores feel safer and critics argue levels remain above pre-2019 baselines.