A Grocery Outlet store in Hemet is now requiring customers to leave their reusable shopping bags and personal bags with a cashier due to a rise in theft.
Management of the discount grocery store on Florida Avenue in the Inland Empire city posted the new policy on its Facebook page on Monday. The message informed shoppers that they should only use store-provided hand baskets or carts instead.
“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,” the post read. “We know this is inconvenient for everyone, but we want to ensure that we have products for you all as well as not lose any so we can keep pricing affordable.”
In a gesture, store management also indicated a willingness to assist customers who are struggling to afford groceries.
“If anyone is struggling, please do not resort to theft. Please ask for one of the owners … and we will see what we can do to help. If we cannot help you in the moment, we will absolutely take your name and number down so we can help as soon as possible and even see if we can provide you resources,” they wrote.
The policy change comes as businesses and local governments across California face a significant surge in retail theft since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, shoplifting in the state was up nearly 40% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
In response to the escalating problem, many retailers have begun locking up a wider range of products, beyond typical high-theft items like medications, baby formula and electronics.
California voters in 2024 approved Proposition 36, rolling back aspects of 2014’s controversial Proposition 47, which had reclassified nonviolent offenses, including shoplifting goods valued under $950, as misdemeanors.
Proposition 36 reinstated stricter penalties for theft and drug crimes and lowered the felony threshold for shoplifting back to $450.