Rampant theft forced Walgreens to permanently relocate to one of its locations that had been a community landmark for years.
The closure of White Oak Shopping Center in Maryland comes as many major businesses close their doors in Mongomery County, including a Starbucks not far away.
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Employees and buyers told ABC affiliate WJLA-TV that the store was closed due to high rates of theft and crime.
Mobile security cameras were recently installed by police in the parking lot near the mall’s stores.
A source also told WJLA-TV that the mall’s management company had to fire its security company and hire a new one.
Last year, there was an armed robbery inside Walgreens, resulting in a man and woman taking an unknown amount of money and merchandise.
Robberies have become a major problem in the area as stores are looted by violent thieves.
One resident told the outlet that she was too scared to leave her car in the mall’s parking lot.
She says she saw another woman being attacked and robbed.
“You could just be walking and they grab your bag and start running and leave you with nothing,” Sarah Rodriguez said.
“That’s why when I’m here, before I get out of the car, I always look around first.”
Walgreens Corporate executives announced earlier this year that about 150 stores will close in the US.
This would reduce the company’s corporate headcount by approximately 10%, resulting in the elimination of more than 500 positions.
News the White Oak Shopping Center store’s replacement has not yet been announced.
However, the center has struggled to replace the Sears location that has been vacant for more than three years.
“Yes, it’s not good because everyone is complaining,” said resident Kokou Eafbo.
This is the only pharmacy we have in this area and suddenly they close, we don’t understand.”
The mall was once a prosperous, store-filled area in Montgomery County.
You could just be walking and they grab your bag and start running and leave you with nothing.
Sara Rodríguez
However, increasing reports of violence and theft have left the area devastated.
“There are so many criminals here, they gather in small groups. They steal and steal, they don’t even wear masks,” Rodriguez said.
“And they run away with so much stuff that they break the windows. I’ve seen them take the cash register.”
The US Sun reached out to Walgreens to comment.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
