New York State Senator Amy Qu introduced a new law on the 3rd aimed at combating retail theft and strengthening penalties for attacks on retail workers. This legislation was approved in the 2025 New York State budget and was officially signed into law by the governor on Tuesday.
Since taking office last year, Senator Qu and her office team have visited over 700 community businesses. Many business owners have raised a common concern: they feel unsafe, frequently falling victim to theft and attacks, with law enforcement struggling to effectively respond as crimes below the value of $1,000 are difficult to prosecute.
The major reforms brought about by the new law include: firstly, increasing penalties for attacking store clerks, categorizing such actions as felonies punishable by up to four years in prison; secondly, allowing for the prosecution based on the combined value of stolen goods, making it easier for prosecutors to bring charges against repeat offenders; thirdly, criminalizing aiding or encouraging the sale of stolen goods.
In terms of budget allocation, $40 million will be allocated to the police specifically for combating theft groups in the retail industry, with an additional $5 million for small business tax credits.
Senator Qu mentioned that small businesses can apply for government-provided tax incentives to install surveillance cameras if they meet certain conditions, such as having fewer than 25 employees. Specifically, businesses can enjoy a maximum tax credit of $4,000, potentially reducing taxes by up to $3,000. This policy aims to encourage government assistance in installing monitoring devices to provide sufficient evidence in case of harassment or attacks, aiding law enforcement and prosecutors in convicting criminals.
Li Zhipo, the president of the Bensonhurst Bay Parkway Chinese Chamber of Commerce, expressed that doing business is still quite challenging, with theft and robbery activities occurring daily, causing significant pressure on store operators.
He expressed gratitude for Senator Qu’s efforts, believing that this legislation brings hope to the community, anticipating a decrease in frequent theft incidents moving forward.
Li Zhipo mentioned that if the law could crack down on theft regardless of the amount stolen, business owners would be more at ease, stating, “If the law goes as far as saying ‘stealing even a dollar is theft,’ then we would be even happier.”
Mr. Ye, the owner of the Wan Jia Supermarket on 86th Street in Bensonhurst, shared that his store was robbed last week, with the culprit threatening with a knife and making off with over a thousand dollars from the cash register. He believes that such robbery incidents keep occurring, fostering an atmosphere of insecurity on the commercial street. He hopes that the next steps in law enforcement procedures will be more effective in ensuring that criminal activities are halted efficiently.