A shoplifting epidemic costing retailers in New York state $4.4 billion a year is creating a shadow resale economy that ranges from eBay to bodegas, The Post has learned.
Shoplifting in New York City alone rose 64% from June 2019 to June 2023, according to the Council on Criminal Justice.
In 2022, the total estimated loss to shops in the state was $4.4 billion, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in February.
And retailers and law enforcement told The Post that the need to sell the stolen goods has created a sprawling underground economy.
Thieves and middlemen are selling shoplifted goods on resale sites such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace and filling warehouse spaces at illegal pawn shops.
Facebook Marketplace did not respond to a request for comment.
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An eBay spokesperson told The Post, “eBay is committed to providing a secure online shopping experience. We have zero tolerance for criminal activity.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said he had busted a super-size version of such an operation.
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