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A New York City mayoral candidate has unveiled a plan to combat shoplifting by creating a direct connection between store security cameras and law enforcement, with the ultimate goal of removing protective barriers from everyday items like toothpaste.
Brad Lander, the city’s comptroller, introduced a proposal for a digital platform that would enable store employees to instantly share surveillance footage with the NYPD through a single button press. Under his plan, stores would be required to remove security barriers from products once theft rates decrease.
“This is one New Yorkers feel every day,” Lander told The Post. “This is both a crime and safety issue for our stores and a convenience issue for New Yorkers who just have the maddening frustration of having to wait to get toothpaste.”
The initiative, developed in collaboration with law enforcement, retail managers, and store employees, represents a significant shift in Lander’s stance on policing. The traditionally progressive Democrat, who previously supported the “defund the police” movement and pushed for substantial NYPD budget reductions while serving on the City Council, has adopted a more moderate position since announcing his mayoral bid.
We’re getting down to brass tacks with @Walgreens & @ALTO_US to discuss new crime prevention tactics & collaborate to ensure recidivist shoplifters are stopped in their tracks! pic.twitter.com/sEwfOKeWab
— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) February 13, 2025
At an Association for a Better New York gathering, Lander acknowledged that “police are critical to prevent and respond to violence, get illegal guns off the streets and solve crimes.”
The proposed system would extend to small businesses through grant funding for camera equipment, enabling broader participation in the NYPD network.
Addressing the city’s escalating shoplifting crisis, Lander cited a Manhattan Institute report showing 2023 as the second-highest year for retail theft, with a 56% increase since 2019. The report indicated that 2022 saw the highest recorded incidents, with a 68.1% surge from 2019 levels, amounting to over 25,000 additional thefts.
The comptroller attributed the rise in shoplifting to post-pandemic disorder, which prompted retailers to secure even low-value items behind locked barriers.
Macy's in midtown Manhattan NYC
Cops from @NYPDMTS receive a call that Macy's security apprehended a shoplifting.
Cops arrived at the location and picked one migrant shoplifter and took the suspects back to the MTS PCT.
Retail shoplifting has skyrocketed around NYC due to… pic.twitter.com/TnegvfFDJO
— Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) December 30, 2024
“Shoplifting really grew out of the pandemic,” Lander said. “I think it’s one of the elements of disorder. The pandemic stoked a kind of disorder that we still don’t have back under control and this is part of an effort to get it back under control. If we can get more control on shoplifting and reduce slippage then stores would actually save money, and we might be able to bring costs down.”
The comprehensive plan includes rehabilitation programs and drug court treatment for repeat offenders, acknowledging substance abuse as a contributing factor to theft. Additionally, Lander aims to raise awareness about inadvertent purchases of stolen goods through online marketplaces.
“We can have the city safer with better quality of life,” Lander said.
