Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney says his aggressive anti-shoplifting initiative is producing results, with 18 alleged repeat offenders now facing felony charges after a sweeping crackdown targeting retail theft across the county.
The suspects are accused of committing 80 thefts from major retailers, causing more than $110,000 in losses, according to prosecutors. The arrests stem from Tierney's Retail Protection Partnership, a program launched in October 2023 to combat rising shoplifting incidents and target repeat offenders.
"What we are doing differently in Suffolk County is charging alleged recidivist theft defendants with felonies wherever possible in order to deter them from committing repeated thefts," Tierney said. "We are making it clear that in Suffolk County, you cannot steal without consequence."
The partnership brings together prosecutors, police, federal authorities and major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, CVS, Walgreens, Kohl's, Macy's and Best Buy. Investigators share information to identify and track alleged serial shoplifters responsible for repeated thefts.
One strategy allows prosecutors to aggregate multiple misdemeanor thefts into felony charges. Authorities also use trespass notices that can lead to burglary charges if offenders allegedly return to stores after being barred.
Officials say the effort is showing results. Suffolk recorded 6,041 petit larceny cases in 2024 and 5,774 in 2025. The county is currently trending below last year's pace in 2026.
Among the 18 defendants charged in the latest roundup, three face second-degree robbery charges after allegedly using force while stealing merchandise. Others face burglary and grand larceny charges.
Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina praised the initiative's impact.
"While retail theft may not always receive the same attention as other crimes, its impact is significant affecting everyone from businesses to our communities," Catalina said. "The decrease in shoplifting incidents demonstrates that our efforts are working."
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.