Overview

• CVS store in Washington D.C.'s Columbia Heights neighborhood is closing on February 29 due to rampant theft by a group of about 45 teenagers.
• The teens targeted the store on shipment days, stealing merchandise before it could be placed on the shelves.
• Street vendors are allegedly paying people to steal items from the store for resale.
• Customers have started shopping at other locations due to the lack of available products in the store.
• Robbery reports in the area have increased by 68% in 2023 compared to 2022.