Mayoral candidate Brad Lander wants to link store security cameras to NYPD to cut down on retail theft

A New Approach to Tackling Shoplifting in New York City

In an effort to address the growing issue of shoplifting in New York City, Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander has proposed a innovative plan to make stores safer and more convenient for customers. Lander’s initiative aims to “unlock the toothpaste” by requiring city stores to link their security camera systems to the NYPD, creating a more efficient way to report and respond to shoplifting incidents. Under this plan, store clerks would be able to press a button to send security footage directly to the police, streamlining the process of identifying and apprehending shoplifters. Participating businesses would also be incentivized to remove the now-ubiquitous barriers that lock up everyday items like toothpaste once their shoplifting numbers decrease. This approach not only targets crime but also addresses the frustration many New Yorkers feel when they encounter these barriers while trying to purchase basic necessities.

From “Defund the Police” to Pro-Active Law Enforcement

Lander, who has historically been associated with progressive policies, including a past advocacy for defunding the police, has made a notable shift in his stance. As a City Council member, he once called for $1 billion in budget cuts to the NYPD, a position that placed him firmly in the camp of police reform activists. However, with his mayoral ambitions announced last September, Lander began to strike a different tone. Speaking at a gathering of the Association for a Better New York, he acknowledged the critical role of police in preventing and responding to violence, removing illegal guns from the streets, and solving crimes. His new plan reflects this shift, emphasizing collaboration between businesses, law enforcement, and the community to create a safer and more orderly city.

The Shoplifting Crisis and Its Impact on Urban Life

Lander’s proposal comes in response to a sharp rise in shoplifting incidents across New York City, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Citing a retail theft report from the Manhattan Institute, Lander noted that 2023 was the second-highest year on record for shoplifting, with a staggering 56% increase in thefts since 2019. The year 2022 holds the dubious distinction of being the highest on record, with a 68.1% increase in shoplifting incidents compared to 2019, resulting in over 25,000 additional thefts. This surge in shoplifting has led many pharmacies and retail stores to lock up even low-cost items, a practice that, while effective in preventing theft, has become a source of frustration for customers. Lander describes this phenomenon as part of a broader sense of disorder that emerged during the pandemic and has yet to be fully addressed.

A Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Shoplifting

Lander’s plan to combat shoplifting is multifaceted, aiming not only to prevent theft but also to address its root causes. In addition to the proposed online platform that would allow store clerks to quickly share security footage with the NYPD, Lander is calling for grant funding to help small businesses install or upgrade their camera systems. This would ensure that even smaller retailers, who may lack the resources to invest in advanced security measures, can participate in the initiative and contribute to the overall effort to reduce crime. Furthermore, Lander has emphasized the importance of diversion programs and drug court treatment for repeat offenders, recognizing that many individuals who engage in shoplifting may be struggling with substance abuse or other underlying issues. By addressing these challenges, Lander hopes to reduce recidivism and create a more compassionate and effective justice system.

Educating the Public to Reduce Demand for Stolen Goods

Another key component of Lander’s strategy is a public awareness campaign aimed at educating New Yorkers about the risks of inadvertently purchasing stolen goods from online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. Many people may not realize that the discounted items they find online could be the proceeds of shoplifting, inadvertently supporting the very crime they wish to see eradicated. By raising awareness about this issue, Lander hopes to reduce the demand for stolen goods and disrupt the cycle of theft and resale. This approach not only targets the supply side of shoplifting but also engages the public in the effort to create a safer and more ethical city.

A Vision for a Safer, MoreORDERLY New York

At the heart of Lander’s proposal is a vision of a New York City where residents can feel safe and secure, where businesses can thrive without the constant threat of theft, and where the quality of life for all is improved. By addressing the root causes of shoplifting, investing in technologies and programs that prevent and respond to crime, and engaging the public in the effort to combat theft, Lander aims to restore a sense of order and normalcy to the city’s streets. While his plan marks a departure from his earlier stance on policing, it reflects a pragmatic recognition of the need for effective law enforcement in maintaining urban safety. As Lander works to implement his vision, New Yorkers will be watching closely to see how this innovative approach plays out in the fight against shoplifting and in the broader effort to build a safer, more livable city.