Retail employees in the vicinity of New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Bronx office are living in constant fear as they face the threat of violent armed shoplifters. The alarming rise in crime has left these workers anxious about becoming the next victims of attacks on the job. Despite their pleas for increased safety measures, Heastie recently rejected proposed tough-on-crime penalties for criminals who target retail employees, sparking outrage among the local community.
Fkouro Mk, a 60-year-old beauty salon worker on the same block as Heastie’s district office, expressed her fear, stating, “How can you not feel fear? I’m scared all the time. It could happen to me, too.” Abid Taher, a 22-year-old employee at a nearby phone store, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for improved security measures. Taher revealed that his store has been targeted by armed perpetrators four times in the past year alone, with the same individual believed to be responsible for these incidents.
The lack of stringent penalties for criminals has only exacerbated the situation. Taher highlighted the ease with which suspects obtain bail, allowing them to repeat their offenses shortly after release. He stressed the urgency of imposing jail time instead, asserting, “They’re getting bail so easily. They should be getting jail time.”
The alarming accounts continue, with a deli worker opposite Heastie’s office sharing their experiences of being regularly targeted by armed offenders. The employee, too frightened to disclose their name, revealed the constant threats they face, stating, “We’ve been hit so many times, and people threaten to come back and shoot us. Every day, we’re facing the same situation.”
Heastie’s recent rejection of Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to strengthen sentences for criminals has further fueled the frustration among the affected employees. They argue that increasing penalties would enhance their safety and deter potential offenders. Noah Ali, a worker at a local market, questioned Heastie’s lack of action, asking, “What is he doing in the first place to help us out? At the end of the day, we are the ones supporting him.”
In response to the criticism, Heastie defended his stance, claiming that increasing penalties has not historically proven to be an effective deterrent. He suggested that alternative approaches should be explored to address retail theft. However, he did not provide specific details on these proposed solutions.
The controversy arises as Governor Hochul seeks to address the surge in retail theft, estimated to cost New York retailers $4.4 billion annually. Hochul aims to strengthen penalties for those who target store employees, a move supported by district attorneys representing Staten Island and Queens. Staten Island DA Michael McMahon emphasized the need to protect shopkeepers and their families, stating, “This madness has to end!” Queens DA Melinda Katz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fighting back against retail theft to support local businesses and their workers.