Yonkers PD Makes Serial Shoplifter An Anti-Bail Reform Poster Child

YONKERS, NY — Yonkers police have released a video showing what appears to be brazen thefts from local stores in an effort to convince lawmakers in Albany to roll back some bail reform measures.

In the shocking videos, thieves can be seen in the security footage unhurriedly filling huge bags with merchandise and walking out of the stores.

Police said a 23-year-old who was involved in similar heists was most recently arrested for felony shoplifting, but cops said there is very little they can do to stop him from returning.

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Although officers arrested Anthony Arias of the Bronx for shoplifting from Burlington Coat Factory on Central Park Avenue, this was his 17th arrest since January of last year.

Arias has failed to appear in court at least six times, according to police, who said he had two open arrest warrants and four open bench warrants at the time of his arrests.

"Scenes like this were unheard of in our community a short time ago," police officials said. "If there are no consequences for bad behavior, if the criminal justice system is literally a revolving door, then we are failing in our duty to protect the public."

According to the Yonkers Police Department, the video released today shows two separate thefts from a store, in which the retailer didn't even bother to contact law enforcement. Police say that because there are little or no repercussions, the criminals involved have no fear of getting caught.

The full text of the Yonkers Police Departments message to lawmakers can be read below.

Dear New York State Legislature: bail reform has degraded the quality-of-life in our region and led to an increase in crime and lawlessness.

Thieves and recidivist property offenders have been empowered to literally stroll through our retail stores and steal what they want with impunity. See the attached video, captured at a local large retailer – two separate incidents on two separate dates; police weren’t even called. Scenes like this were unheard of in our community a short time ago. These perpetrators have no fear of committing crimes or getting caught. Why? Case in point below.

Last night, Yonkers Police arrested 25-year-old Anthony Arias of the Bronx for felony shoplifting from Burlington Coat Factory at 2500 Central Park Avenue. This was his 17th arrest since January 2022 – that’s more than one a month. Anthony has failed to appear in court at least six times: he had two open arrest warrants and four open bench warrants. If there are no consequences for bad behavior, if the criminal justice system is literally a revolving door, then we are failing in our duty to protect the public.

Courts must have the discretion to jail offenders based on their propensity to reoffend or the danger they pose to the community.

Fix our laws. Put victims and law-abiding citizens first.