Giant Food said it’s not letting customers bring their own large bags into its District of Columbia-area grocery stores as a way of combating retail theft.

The Maryland-based chain said the policy, which took effect last week, bans shoppers from carrying suitcases, duffel bags and bags larger than 14x14x6 inches into the stores to deter shoppers from smuggling out products and undercutting its bottom line.

“The retail theft we are experiencing across our market area is a problem that affects everyone,” Giant said in a statement. “It limits product availability, creates a less convenient shopping experience and, most critically, puts our associates and customers in harm’s way.”

Giant Food, which is headquartered in Landover, Maryland, and has over 160 stores spread through D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, has been proactive at defending itself against retail theft in recent years.

Last spring, Giant had customers enter its D.C. locations through one entrance so security could keep better tabs on suspected shoplifters.

The grocery chain also hired more security guards and put a cap on the number of items purchased at self-checkout stands to fight theft.

The Giant location on Alabama Avenue Southeast — the only full-service grocery store in Ward 8 — removed major brands such as Advil, Colgate toothpaste and Tide detergent last fall after they were targeted by criminals.

Retail theft was a major sore spot for D.C. last year, according to a Forbes Advisor survey published in November.

The survey found that D.C. recorded the most instances of retail theft per capita last year at 2,829 per 100,000 residents.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.