Be careful before you shop at Giant grocery stores in the Washington, DC area.

The grocery chain announced changes to anti-theft policies for certain stores in the District and Maryland.

Giant is relaxing its policy of not allowing bags in some stores. The grocery retailer banned backpacks and large bags in May, citing theft as the reason for the move. But now backpacks are allowed in some stores – if customers agree to security checks.

The grocer also announced plans to limit the times when minors are allowed to shop without an adult.

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed into some shops after 6 p.m.

From Thursday, customers under the age of 18 will only be allowed to enter certain Giant stores after 6 p.m. if accompanied by an adult.

These locations include stores in the Brentwood, Shaw and Van Ness neighborhoods of Washington, DC, and in Oxon Hill, District Heights and Baltimore, Maryland. A full list of affected stores can be found at the end of this article.

Backpacks are allowed in some Giant stores

Backpacks measuring 14 x 14 x 6 inches or less are allowed again in certain locations – but only if buyers agree to security checks.

Standard and small backpacks “will be accepted if the customer agrees to have the bag tagged before entry and searched before exit,” the company said in a statement.

Backpacks are now allowed in stores in Cathedral Heights, Columbia Heights, the H Street Corridor, Shaw and Van Ness, a Giant spokesperson said. Backpacks will remain banned in some stores.

Giant is updating its bag policy after the company announced a ban on large bags in stores in the Washington, D.C. area in May as a measure to combat shoplifting.

The updated guidelines mean that customers no longer have to leave their bags unattended outside stores before entering.

ANC Commissioner wants different approach

ANC commissioner Alexander Padro, who represents the Shaw district, said he had written a letter to Giant complaining about the policy and wished they would take a different approach.

“The problem of shoplifting will continue to exist and it makes more sense to invest in lockers and implement a policy that is easy to enforce,” Padro said.

Padro also asks how the new regulation will be received by buyers under 18 years of age.

“I think this is going to be tricky and I’m sure we’re going to hear hell about it soon,” he said.

For some it is a step in the right direction, but not perfect.

“It’s better, but I don’t think it will prevent thefts,” said customer Angela Alston.

“I’m not really thrilled about it, but I understand why it’s the way it is,” said customer Justin Sessions. “It’s about regular people actually wanting to come in and shop, and it’s a shame that bags have to be labeled.”

A Giant spokesperson told News4 that they are aware that the changes will impact convenience, but are a way for the company to reduce shoplifting.

Which Giant locations are affected by the new policies?

Backpacks are allowed in these stores after 6 p.m., but unaccompanied minors are not allowed:

• 1400 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20001
• 300 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002
• 4303 Conn Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
• 1345 Park Road, NW Washington, DC 20010

According to a statement from Giant, the following stores are affected by the new theft protection policies.

Backpacks and minors are allowed in this store:

• 3336 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016

These stores prohibit unaccompanied minors from entering after 6 p.m. and continue to prohibit backpacks:

• 1535 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032
• 1050 Brentwood Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018
• 5150 Sinclair Ln, Baltimore, MD 21206
• 20 Audrey Lane Oxon Hill, MD 20745
• 4119 Branch Ave, Marlow Heights, MD 20748
• 5500 Silver Hill Rd, District Heights, MD 20747