BALTIMORE — Giant Food is continuing to explore ways to combat retail theft.
On August 22 the grocery chain plans to implement a new store policy barring anyone under 18 from shopping after 6pm, unless accompanied by an adult.
The policies are similar to area malls and shopping areas who deny entry to unaccompanied minors after certain times on Fridays and Saturdays.
For now Giant says it will enforce the new rules at select locations, two of which are in Baltimore City.
- Store #145- 5150 Sinclair Ln, Baltimore, MD 21206
- Store #303- 601 East 33rd St. Baltimore, MD 21218
Giant said these stores have experienced "unprecedented levels of product theft that have become unsustainable for [their] business."
In May the same two Giant stores also began a pilot program banning customers from carrying larger bagswith them while shopping, in hopes of minimizing stealing.
"Retail theft in our market area affects everyone. It limits product availability, creates a less convenient shopping experience, and, most critically, puts our associates and customers in harm's way," Giant said in a statement.
With just a couple days before going into effect, WMAR-2 News asked shoppers their opinion on the policy.
"I think it should have been in effect, way before this," said Elizabeth Baltierra, a shopper at the 33rd St. location.
"I don't necessarily like it," said Tanya Lewis, a shopper at the Sinclair Lane location. "I would say maybe, 13-ish. Because you can't send your 17 year old to the store unless you're with them. So no, I don't necessarily agree with 18."
Over the last few years, we've reported on a number of violent incidents that have taken place within Giant Food stores in Maryland, some directly attributed to theft.
This past June, an employee at the Arlington Road Giant in Bethesda was punched in the face by a man trying to return stolen merchandise.
Back in November 2022a Giant Food security guard in Oxon Hill was killed in a shootout with a theft suspect.
In July 2021, another security guard killed a man who attacked him inside the Giant Store at the Reisterstown Road Plaza.
Meanwhile, another inner-city Giant that anchored Edmondson Village since 1998, recently closed its doors much to the community's dismay.
Although the grocery retailer didn't blame the closure on increased thefts, they instead opted to remodel their store across the Baltimore County line at the Wilkens Beltway Plaza.
