Retail theft surge in Inland Empire store prompts new policy: Leave shopping bags with the cashier

A grocery store independently run by locals from the Inland Empire region has decided to tackle an increase in shoplifting by limiting the usage of big personal shopping bags within the premises.

On a Facebook post in April, Matthew and Allison Whitlow announced their ownership of the Grocery Outlet on East Florida Avenue in Hemet. Less than a month later, the

owners mentioned on social media

that a strict policy regarding personal bags will be implemented due to an increase in theft incidents.

In the post, the Whitlows asked that customers leave their reusable shopping and personal bags — including anything larger than a small handbag — in the front of the grocery store with a cashier.

“While this has always been posted on our front door, we have had some take advantage and walk out of store without stopping by the register,” according to a Facebook

post.

The Whitlows chose not to comment to The Times regarding the events that prompted their choice.

However, requesting customers to keep their reusable bags near the entrance might lead to confusion among shoppers who aim to comply with state regulations and contribute to environmental efforts.

Since 2014, California has been striving to remove single-use plastic bags from grocery stores and has lately made progress on this front.

proceed further by enacting laws

That would eliminate the use of the heavier plastic bags.

constructed from high-density polyethylene, also known as HDPE.

Grocery stores have been offering the thicker HDPE bags to shoppers instead of the banned thin plastic bags.

In response, shoppers across the state have stocked up on reusuable grocery bags, made of canvas or cloth.

The new bag policy is in response to an uptick in retail theft across the state, an issue so problematic that state officials have

dispatched California Highway Patrol

Officers will assist local police in gaining control over retail crimes and vehicle thefts, as well as enhancing traffic law enforcement.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has sent officers to

Oakland

and Bakersfield, cities that have had immense issues with smash-and-grab retail crime.

Customers who leave their large bags at the front are allowed to take out and carry their smartphones and wallets while they shop.

The Whitlows are encouraging their customers to use store-provided hand baskets instead.

Since we are locally or independently owned, theft impacts both our business and the local community,” the post explained. “While this may be an inconvenience for everyone involved, we aim to maintain product availability for you all and prevent losses that could lead to increased prices.

Instead of turning to stealing, the poster proposed that individuals finding it difficult to cover their expenses should seek assistance.

The message indicated, “Kindly request to speak with either owner, Matt or Allison, and we’ll determine how best to assist you.”

This tale initially surfaced in

Los Angeles Times

.