Pols target NYC’s violent, repeat shoplifters with a bill to protect retail workers like cops, firefighters

The Big Apple shoplifting epidemic has sparked renewed action in Albany to curb violent and unrepentant shoplifters, The Post has learned.

The bill, due to be introduced in the Legislature this week by State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (Staten Island) and Assemblyman Manny De Los Santos (Inwood), would make it a felony to commit even minor assaults on retail workers. trade.

“I think it’s common sense that makes criminals think twice about what they’re doing,” said Scarsella-Spanton.

The proposal would place retail workers in the same protected category as police, firefighters, paramedics and other frontline workers. All MTA workers, including cleaners and maintenance staff, were added last year.

The proposal would also allow judges to set bail for accused felons, as second-degree assault is among the crimes not covered by New York City’s controversial 2019 bail reform law.

Scarsella-Spanton said the bill was not intended to “rollback” bail reform.

“It’s all about fixing bugs where we can,” she said.

Another bill, introduced Feb. 8, would raise petty theft from a misdemeanor to a felony if committed within two years of a previous conviction.

A proposal by State Senator Kevin Thomas (D-Long Island) and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinovits (D-Bronx) would increase the maximum sentence from 1-1/3 to 4 years in prison for a first-time offender, compared to one. year in prison.

A similar provision already applies to drunk driving, with second offenders facing criminal charges if caught drunk driving within 10 years of their first conviction.

Both steps were recently demanded by the Collective Action to Protect Our Stores, a group that represents nearly 4,000 independent grocers, The Post told at the time.

In a statement on Tuesday, the coalition said: “As we have seen in the numerous attacks on workers and shops, this is an urgent law.”

“These workers were deemed essential in the midst of COVID and now leaders in Albany must show they are ready to protect these workers who are constantly at risk in their jobs – the time to act is now,” CAPS. added.

Queens bodega salesman Andy Mendez, who was severely beaten after confronting suspected shoplifting last year, said Tuesday he “absolutely” believes tougher laws are needed.

“This job seems easy but dangerous,” said Mendez, 70, who works at Real Gourmet Deli in Long Island City, across from Queensbridge Houses.

“This is a crazy area. None of these addicts work, they just steal and extort money for drugs,” he said. “I’m taking a risk by working here. Anyone can kill me.”

Mendez said his assailant, who was caught on camera stabbing him from behind on August 8, appeared to have never been arrested and was “still walking around.”

“He hangs out at the liquor store,” Mendez said. “He came back to the store and said he was going to hit me again.”