Retail robberies in New York City are costing residents $4.4 billion annually, according to a report by the New York Post. This growing crisis has evolved beyond petty theft, contributing to a vast shadow resale economy that encompasses digital marketplaces and neighborhood bodegas. The Council on Criminal Justice reports that shoplifting rates in New York City have surged 64% from June 2019 to June 2023. Retail owners and law enforcement have expressed concerns about the complex underground networks driving this illicit economy. Efforts to combat this issue include partnerships between CVS and Attorney Generals to address the lack of prosecution for thieves. The epidemic is also highlighted by the involvement of organized crime rings targeting retailers such as Ulta, T.J. Maxx, and Walgreens.