National supermarket chain makes shoppers show their receipts before leaving gate at DC store

Shoppers must show their receipts before leaving one branch of a national grocery chain - as staff clamp down on soaring theft rates. 

Harris Teeter, with 258 stores across eight states, has also banned the use of several different bag types including big backpacks, suitcases and large duffels.

The changes, for now, only apply to its D.C. location after the state became a retail crime hotspot in recent years. 

The news was welcomed by local residents who complained crime in the are has been worsening.

Joy Plater, who has worked across the street from Harris Teeter for more than two decades, told local CBS affiliate WUSA-TV: 'It's scary. Crime in the area is scary. 

Harris Teeter, which has 258 stores across eight states, has also banned the use of several different bag times including oversized backpacks, suitcases and large duffels

Store signs alert shoppers to the new rules

Shoppers must show their receipts before leaving the D.C. branch of Harris Teeter. There are fears it will cause delays

Speaking to told local CBS affiliate WUSA-TV, he added: 'We had that shooting last month. Coming to work everything was blocked off and we couldn't get to work. 

'I don't go out at night. I don't go to gas stations. I'm scared to drive my vehicle. Things have changed over the years from my perspective.'

A spokesman for Harris Teeter said: 'Ensuring a safe shopping environment for both our customers and our valued associates is critical.

'Effective April 24, we will implement improved safety measures at stores in District of Columbia, including the checking of receipts as customers exit the store and a new policy prohibiting suitcases, duffel bags, oversized backpacks and roller bags.'

Between 2022 and 2023, crime in D.C. rose by 26 percent, with robbery climbing 67 percent and theft up 23 percent.

Grocery store Safeway recently installed security gates at several of its D.C. locations to prevent shoplifters.  

In January, it was reported that a CVS store in the area was forced to shut down after being ransacked by school-aged thieves several times a day.  

A spokesman for Harris Teeter said: 'Ensuring a safe shopping environment for both our customers and our valued associates is critical'

Joy Plater, who has worked across the street from Harris Teeter for more than two decades, told local CBS affiliate WUSA-TV: 'It's scary. Crime in the area is scary

Videos of the empty shelves showcasing the extent of theft at the store went viral last October. 

It comes as stores nationwide have begun implementing severe measures to combat thieves.

This week it emerged Walmart is removing its self-checkout machines at two of its stores, with experts speculate the decision was made to clamp down on crime.

Last year Sephora announced it would take fragrances off its store shelves and replace them with tester samples. Shoppers wishing to purchase a bottle must now request one from behind the till.