New gates in place to reduce shoplifting at two Safeway stores in DC

WSHINGTON (DC News Now) — Safeway has added a new layer of protection to prevent shoplifting.

Customers at the Adams Morgan and Southwest Waterfront locations must now scan their receipts before they will be allowed to exit the self-checkout lanes.

The extra security at the Safeway, located at 1747 Columbia Road, according to employees, has been in place at this location since the weekend.

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“I think they just doing a quick fix, there’s not really going to be helpful,” said frequent customer Lakia Smith.

She’s skeptical regarding the effectiveness of the new security.

“I understand why they trying to do it, but it’s foolishness,” Smith said. “It’s like people going to steal, they’re going to steal.”

Employees at the Safeway, located at 1100 4th St. SW, told DC News Now that the gates were installed at least a month ago. There are also gates that block checkout lanes when they are not used, along with guards to catch shoplifters.

“I think it’s real crazy,” Martin Porter said.

He’s not a fan of the new security.

“They look at you like you stealing or something like that,” Porter said.

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However, he understands why the gates have been put in place.

“I guess they doin’ what they gotta do to keep people from stealing,” he said.

Safeway did not respond to requests to comment on if any other locations around the DMV have installed the new security. However, employees said the new security procedures may seem drastic, but it’s either them or possibly close stores to reduce shoplifting.

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