More security guards and less goods: New York's largest supermarket chain tightens security measures due to thefts

New York City's largest grocery store chain has announced that it is stepping up security measures amid a wave of store thefts across the city. Writes about it ABC7NY.

John Katsimatidis, Chairman and CEO of Gristedes/D'Agostino's, cited an NYPD report of a 15 percent spike in retail theft from two years earlier.

According to the city's NYPD crime statistics, petty theft in the city has increased by 23,3% since the start of the year.

Store workers say they see people walking in and out with merchandise like it's no big deal.

On the subject: Robber with 59 arrests released again and again without bail

The chain has 28 stores across the city, and items that are the most stolen include Tide, soap, meat and ice cream, especially in small containers.

“We are hiring more and more security guards,” Catsimatidis said. “And we make smaller calculations, but replenish them more often.”

Store managers say that because of this, they plan to put guards at the entrances to their stores, and employees should be on high alert for shoplifters.

They are very worried about the financial impact on the business. Catsimatidis said the bail reform has contributed to an increase in crime across the city and state, leaving shopkeepers without remedies and criminals fearing no repercussions.