The supermarket chain Giant Food has introduced new policies in select stores across Washington, DC, and Maryland aimed at reducing retail theft. In an effort to tackle high theft rates, the chain will now prohibit unaccompanied minors from entering certain stores after 6 p.m. and will ban customers from bringing in large bags.
The policy, which goes into effect at specific locations in Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, is part of Giant Food’s strategy to address what the company describes as “unprecedented levels of product theft.” In a statement to Fox News, the company expressed that the current level of theft has made operating in these areas increasingly challenging and “unsustainable.”
“Retail theft in our market area affects everyone,” the company said in a statement. “It limits product availability, creates a less convenient shopping experience, and, most critically, puts our associates and customers in harm’s way.”
Under the new rules, individuals under the age of 18 will not be permitted to enter the store without an adult after 6 pm. Additionally, customers will no longer be allowed to carry bags larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches. Some locations will still allow customers to bring in larger bags, but only if they agree to have them tagged upon entry and permit employees to search them before leaving the store.
These measures build upon previous efforts by Giant Food to combat theft, which have included limiting self-checkout usage, increasing security presence, restricting store exits, collaborating with local police, and locking up high-targeted theft items.
Retail theft has been a growing issue in the region. In 2022, Washington, DC, retailers lost an estimated $120 million in revenue due to theft, resulting in a $7.21 million loss in retail sales tax for the city, according to Fox News. Despite the new policies, Giant Food acknowledged that these measures alone may not fully resolve the issue.
“None of the tactics we deploy is the ultimate solution to the problem we face,” the statement added. “Still, we continue to invest in efforts to improve safety for our associates and customers and reduce theft.”
