A strategy to stop shoplifters at a local Safeway is under scrutiny by the city of Seattle, which issued a notice of violation due to an entryway that is kept closed to prevent theft.

The Safeway at 8340 15th Ave NW in Seattle's Crown Hill neighborhood has endured a long struggle with shoplifters.

In a recent move, the grocery store opted to close one of its two entrances to give these thieves one less escape route.

“I have seen people just blatantly carry stuff out," said Gretchen, a long-time shopper who didn’t want her last name used. “They have to fight it somehow. It's been such an egregious problem for so long that I don't know that they have a lot of options."