A mob of shoplifting teens in the Washington, D.C. area has reportedly almost entirely cleared out a CVS store in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, video posted to social media shows.
Images from inside the store show empty shelves, and employees claim that the group of about 45 teenagers frequently targets the store for chips, drinks, and other items. Street vendors allegedly pay the teens to steal items for the store, which they later sell on the sidewalk for profit.
OP:#CVS store shelves bare as thieves in #DC plan robberies around delivery times
— The Daily Sneed™ (@Tr00peRR) October 4, 2023
The store reportedly has only one security guard to monitor merchandise, and the shoplifting has impacted the store’s profits. Such incidents have affected various retailers across the country, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Target. Some retailers have had to close stores due to heavy losses caused by shoplifting and flash mobs of thieves.
Customers in the area have expressed their frustration, with one saying it makes her not want to shop there. Some residents have suggested that the city provide more accessible resources to individuals who may not be able to afford items from stores like CVS.
“I’m stuck. I mean, it’s bad to do, but they’re probably doing it for a reason, they need those things, but they shouldn’t just be going in and clearing the shelves because it’s not sustainable for the store,” said one customer, according to Fox DC.
“A lot of people can’t actually afford things in CVS, I’m not saying stealing has to be the solution to that,” said Gerald Darling, DC Resident. “However, I don’t know, maybe, if the city could provide more accessible resources to unhoused or under income folks who can provide them hair care, bodily care, hygiene care – that could be an option.”
