LAS VEGAS (FOX5) —Mario Berlanga, owner of Mario’s Westside Market, told FOX5 he has made physical changes to his store layout to direct customers through checkout lines and hired additional security personnel.
“I didn’t want to have to do that because I don’t want people coming in here thinking that we don’t trust them,” Berlanga said.
The federal government announced it will not send out November’s benefits as the shutdown continues, sparking concern among grocers nationwide. Berlanga joins other local grocers who are bracing for unknown impacts as SNAP benefits end for millions of Americans.
Security measures implemented
The store previously had an open layout where customers could walk directly in, but management has created barriers, forcing customers to check out through designated lines. Berlanga said the changes are intended to protect employee safety and the store’s bottom line.
“I have been watching on the news and on Facebook and stuff where people are just loading up baskets and hitting the door, and it scares me because this is my livelihood where I feed my kids,” Berlanga said.
Customer Ira Butler observed the potential for increased theft, saying people are “walking in the store putting things in their purse because they can’t pay for the food they want to eat.”
Shoplifting data shows increase
Data from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department shows shoplifting cases are up more than 12 percent from last year. From January 1 to October 26, the department received 6,104 reports of shoplifting.
“If it gets bad enough, they’ll get desperate, and desperate people do desperate things,” said customer Cathalena Preston.
Despite the uptick in crime, Berlanga said the market is one of the only places to get fresh produce in his community. He and his co-owners have no plans to close.
“We are part of the community, not just a business in the community,” Berlanga said.
The store owner said there will be no other changes beyond the precautionary security measures.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
