Georgetown Safeway Installs Security Gates, Fencing
By • March 7, 2024 5 1506
The Georgetown Safeway at 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW has increased its crime prevention efforts by installing controlled entrances and exits, along with fencing on certain perimeters.
More than a week ago, several Safeway grocery stores in Washington, D.C., set up new security measures — gates, fenced off aisles and receipt scanners for those shoppers exiting the self-serve check-out area.
A Safeway spokesperson told the media the high-tech improvements at the stores are to “maintain a safe and welcoming shopping experience” and “deter shoplifting.”
Most customers have been taken aback by the changes — that have received, it appears, mixed reviews.
Quipped former advisory neighborhood commissioner Bill Starrels: “Welcome to Fort Safeway Georgetown. I guess they have to combat the shoplifting from the well-to-do Georgetowners.”
What do you think of the latest security enhancements at the Georgetown Safeway? Please leave a comment below.
The Georgetown Safeway at 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Photo by Bill Starrels.
The Georgetown Safeway at 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Photo by Bill Starrels.
The Georgetown Safeway at 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Photo by Bill Starrels.
The Georgetown Safeway at 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Their systems don’t work. Last weekend a number of shoppers were trapped in the self checkout section as none of our receipts would open the gate. It’s not worth the hassle.
Georgetown may be affluent, but Safeway managers tell me shoplifting has become a major problem. And not just products, but shopping carts. Wonder why for several months there was a dearth of small carts? It’s because too many were being taken off premises and not returned (AKA, stolen). So I welcome the new measures. Hopefully a reduction in shoplifting will keep prices down just a little bit.
HOW ARE WE SUPPOSE TO EXIT THE STORE WITH ALL OF SECURITY GATES ARE ALREADY INSTALLED IN THERE?
“It’s a shame that it has come to this. These fences, gates, and “Do not Enter” signs don’t look particularly welcoming, but if they deter shoplifting and help keep prices stable (if not low), then it’s a small inconvenience. I’m sure there are plenty of “affluent” Georgetowners, but there are equally plenty of folks who shoplift for the fun of it, the adrenaline rush of getting away with a few things, and who maybe don’t like what Georgetown has come to represent.
Who are the shoplifters? Why do we all have to pay? I do not like the feeling of shopping in a store where you feel locked in. Why punish people who are not shoplifting. Do you not have cameras to weed out the people that are to blame. This store and Georgia Ave are the ones locking customers inside store. No help from staff.