Shoplifting cases have surged in posh suburbs with George Soros-backed prosecutors, reports Thursday said.

Fairfax County, Virginia Experienced According to ABC 7, there were more than 1,000 shoplifting incidents this year, a 41.7% increase over 2022.

A video circulating on Facebook showed the four men running down an escalator on suspicion of stealing $150,000 worth of merchandise from the Tysons Galleria mall. Authorities are still investigating the incident, according to ABC 7. (Related: Report: One-third of New York City shoplifters are committed by the same 347 people)

NEW: Fairfax County has seen a 41.7% increase in shoplifting so far this year compared to this time last year.

This video shows four people rushing down an escalator at Tysons Galleria. Fairfax County Police Department said the suspects stole $150,000 worth of items. pic.twitter.com/U3YXLxVv1S

— Nick Minnock (@NickMick) July 5, 2023

Fairfax County Superintendent Pat Herrity told ABC7 that the grocery price hikes were partly the result of an epidemic of shoplifting.

“I think the bigger impact is the cost of groceries,” Herrity told ABC7. “You’re talking about millions of dollars stolen, and stores have to recoup that cost, which is directly reflected in the cost of goods. Some will close.”

Giant Foods, a supermarket chain in northern Virginia, responded to the increase in theft by limiting store hours, limiting the number of items at self-checkout counters and eliminating access to certain entrances and exits, the store said. It pointed out. The food retailer said it could close its stores if the shoplifting problem persists.

“Giant has been serving the DMV community since 1936 and intends to continue,” Giant Foods said in a statement sent to ABC 7. With violence occurring across our sphere of activity, all retailers are in a position to consider their options. Therefore, we work diligently to create a safe shopping environment and balance the measures we must take to remain profitable. ”

Herrity told ABC 7 that a reluctance to prosecute theft of less than $1,500 as a felony and a police shortage may be contributing to the surge in shoplifting.

“Previously, Fairfax County had a reputation for not wanting to commit crime,” Herrity said. “Because they were caught and punished. And I think the effect is that the police force has been reduced by 200 and there are federal prosecutors who don’t want to prosecute stealing up to $1,500 as a felony. It’s all about criminal justice reform.”

Fairfax Prosecutor Steve T. Descano announced According to The Washington Post, in April 2021 his office was not planning to file a misdemeanor charge. Descano cited a shortage of staff and a focus on more serious crimes, the media said.

Descano received over $627,000 from the George Soros-funded Justice and Public Safety PAC. according to VPAP. Twelve Soros-backed prosecutors have resigned within the past year. according to Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund (LELDF).