Hochul unpacks details of major effort to combat retail theft — including tougher penalties and tax credits

Gov. Kathy Hochul rolled out the details Wednesday of a $40 million package filled with sweeping measures, including retail-focused anti-theft teams for police, to combat rising retail theft across the state. 

The legislation included in the recently-enacted state budget features more penalties for anyone who assaults retail workers, as well as a $5 million tax credit to help small business owners invest in security for their shops, such as through new security cameras or devices.