The Los Angeles region has been plagued by a series of brazen smash-and-grab retail thefts, prompting the formation of a task force dedicated to combating this issue.
Since its launch last week, the task force has already made 11 arrests, according to authorities.
The Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCT) is currently investigating nine cases, and the arrests made so far are connected to four of these cases. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released a statement highlighting the recent increase in "flash-mob" style retail crime incidents, where multiple suspects target retail establishments throughout the region.
The cases in which arrests were made include thefts at a Versace store, Warehouse Shoe Store, Nordstrom in Los Angeles, and a Yves Saint Laurent store in the suburb of Glendale. The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed.
Flash mob robberies have become a growing concern in the region, with large groups of thieves overwhelming store employees and security personnel to ransack retailers. These incidents often result in the theft of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
LA Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that these crimes have real victims and that no one should feel unsafe while shopping in Los Angeles. She also expressed concern for entrepreneurs, stating that they should not feel unsafe opening businesses in the city.
One notable incident occurred at a Nordstrom in the Topanga Mall earlier this month, where 30 to 50 individuals were captured on video knocking over clothing displays. The suspects managed to flee with nearly $100,000 worth of handbags and clothes, escaping in waiting getaway vehicles.
In another incident at a Yves Saint Laurent store, thieves made off with $300,000 worth of stolen goods.
The task force's efforts to combat these retail thefts are ongoing, as they work to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety of the community.
Login