WASHINGTON (7News) — To reduce theft at its Washington DC stores, Giant Food has updated its policies regarding the bags customers can use.
Certain stores allow bags measuring 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches to be brought in if the customer agrees to have an employee tag the bags at the entrance and search them at the exit, says Jonathan Arons, a corporate representative for Giant Food.
SHOW MORE |Giant Food limits bag sizes to counter rising theft in DC stores
From Thursday, customers under the age of 18 will no longer be allowed into the store after 6 p.m. without being accompanied by an adult.
“Retail thefts in our market area affect everyone. They limit product availability, create a less pleasant shopping experience and, most importantly, put our employees and customers at risk,” Arons said in an email to 7News. “However, we continue to invest in improving the safety of our employees and customers and reducing theft. At Giant Food, the well-being of our community, customers and employees is our top priority.”
Stores that allow backpacks but do not allow children under 18 to enter without an adult after 6pm include:
- #2376- 1400 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20001.
- #2381- 300 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002.
- #383- 4303 Conn Ave NW Washington, DC 20008.
- #378- 1345 Park Road, NW Washington, DC 20010.
- #2379-3336 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 (minors permitted).
Stores where backpacks are not allowed and where people under 18 cannot enter after 6 p.m. without an adult include:
- #384- 1535 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032.
- #375- 1050 Brentwood Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018.
According to Arons, these particular Giant Food locations experienced “high levels of shrinkage” and massive theft of goods, which damaged the company’s business.
