Reusable bags are essential when shopping, but a grocery store in the Bronx says it's changing its policy to prevent customers from using them to steal.

Bonavita Key Food along Westchester Avenue in Pelham Bay implemented a new policy that requires customers to check in their bags at the entrance.

Once a customer walks into the supermarket, they must hand over their shopping bags to an employee. In return, customers receive a number they can show to reclaim their bag once they are done shopping.

The owner of the store told News 12 some customers have taken advantage of the store by coming in and stealing. He says the problem has got bad enough that employees have had multiple arguments with customers.

The owner says the rise in stealing is costing the supermarket money.