(NewsNation) — A Washington, D.C., CVS that went viral for its barren shelves is set to close at the end of February, as customers and security workers cite retail theft.
Customers told NewsNation they’ve witnessed large groups of teens walk into the store and run out with merchandise.
“The way I heard they got hit over here as many times as they did, I really don’t blame them,” customer Yolanda Whitted said.
Another man told NewsNation the thieves don’t seem deterred by security.
In a statement to NewsNation, CVS would not say if crime played a role in their decision to close the store.
The company said, in part, “Factors include local market dynamics, population shifts, a community’s store density, and ensuring there are other geographic access points to meet the needs of the community.”
Some major chains haven’t been afraid to place the blame on crime within the past year.
Target, Walmart and Nike all attributed major closures in different cities across the country at least in part to retail crime and theft.
As states are tightening laws to try to prevent organized retail theft, the nation’s capital is considering its own crime bill.
Among the provisions is a push to create a new crime for “directing organized retail theft.” If passed, it would subject violators to a maximum of 15 years in prison.
The D.C. crime bill would also increase gun crime penalties and make it easier for judges to detain defendants in jail while they await trial.
The bill passed unanimously out of committee, and the D.C. council is expected to take its first vote Feb. 6.