Flash mob robbery: clothes worth $100,000 stolen from Los Angeles store
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Los Angeles: A second incident of a "flash mob" robbery has occurred in Los Angeles, where a group of thieves stole clothes and merchandise worth $100,000 from a store.
This comes within a week of a similar incident at another store in the city, signalling a concerning pattern.
According to a report by NBC News, the latest robbery took place on August 15 at a clothing store on South La Brea Avenue. A group of 12 individuals, wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts, entered the store and proceeded to loot displays before making a swift exit in several vehicles. The specific store has not been identified in the reports.
This follows a prior incident on August 12, when a larger group of around 50 thieves executed a brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a Nordstrom department store.
Mirroring the recent occurrence, this mob was also dressed in hoodies and masks and managed to steal approximately $100,000 worth of merchandise. In this case, bear spray was reportedly used to assault security guards.
Commander Gisselle Espinoza from the Los Angeles Police Department emphasised the violent nature of these flash mobs and the department's commitment to locating and apprehending those responsible for these incidents. The authorities are actively investigating the matter.
In the recent incident, the criminals targeted an upscale store situated in the Topanga Mall. They made off with expensive bags and clothing, utilising multiple vehicles, including luxury cars like a BMW and a Lexus, to escape.
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement, acknowledging the impact of such incidents on the community: "To criminals, it is just property taken. To those who live in the area and patronise the Topanga Mall, it is a loss of feeling safe." The department asserted its determination to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasising its commitment to seeking criminal prosecution in these cases.