2025-07-10
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Boston city leaders are expanding their efforts to reduce shoplifting, urging businesses to report every incident.The push comes as part of Boston’s broader “Safe Shopping Initiative,” launched last year.Shoplifting is up 15% in Boston compared to last year, according to police data. Officials said the increase is partly due to more businesses speaking up rather than staying silent.“We want everything to be reported so that we can know how to formulate the best approach,” said Mayor Michelle Wu during a press conference Tuesday at the Boston Police Headquarters in Roxbury.Retail-heavy neighborhoods, like Downtown Crossing, have become a focus of the city’s efforts to improve safety and boost foot traffic for local businesses.One business that opened just a few months ago, City Liquors, has already seen its share of theft.“We definitely had our fair share of instances,” said store manager Christopher Whitter. “A kid came and pushed one of our employees, took the vape and ran out the store.”City leaders are partnering with retailers, law enforcement and prosecutors to focus their enforcement on organized theft and habitual offenders. They said first-time shoplifters could be directed toward resources instead of jail.“Our focus is on repeat and violent offenders that are impacting retail theft,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden.Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said authorities’ goal is to build a stronger system of accountability through better reporting.“While we recognize that we will not eradicate shoplifting, we are working together to encourage better reporting and eventually lead to a reduction of crime in general in this area,” Cox said.The Retailers Association of Massachusetts estimates that stores across the state lose approximately $2 billion a year to theft of all kinds.As the city expands its program, Whitter hopes these measures will make his store — and others — more inviting for customers.“Our safety comes first, then everything else,” he said.More on Downtown CrossingBostonMay 5After closed-door meeting, have public safety concerns changed in downtown Boston?BostonFeb 28Leaders address Downtown Boston safety concerns at closed-door meetingBostonAug 15, 2024‘It's very scary': Stabbing in Boston's Downtown Crossing prompts safety concerns
