LIVE THEFT: NEW YORK STORES TRANSMIT LIVE VIDEO FEEDS FROM SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS TO POLICE

New York City fights retail theft with ‘innovative technology’.

Mayor Adams and the NYPD announced the launch of a pilot program in May 2024 that uses technology to combat the rapid increase in retail theft and crime in general.

The program will allow businesses to voluntarily share information with the NYPD in real time through existing surveillance cameras. It is hoped that having a «live feed» will discourage would-be thieves from committing thefts and make it easier for police to catch criminals.

«New Yorkers don’t feel comfortable and prosperous when everything from toothpaste to laundry detergent is under lock and key, and retailers should be able to work without fear of losing income due to shoplifting,» Adams said. «We can no longer allow shoplifters and organized crime groups to target businesses.»

«The ability of business owners to freely share information with investigators is key,» according to a police spokesperson Caban.

Arrests for shoplifting are up 5 percent this year compared to last year, police say, because of increased detection.

The program’s launch comes just a month after Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $45 million anti-theft plan to reassure retailers that state and local lawmakers are not indifferent to shoplifting problems.

It’s not yet very clear if the detection of theft incidents will be automated or if it will require police officers to constantly monitor video content from stores.