Current:Home > MyLos Angeles leaders create task force to address surge in retail flash mob robberies -Financium
Los Angeles leaders create task force to address surge in retail flash mob robberies
View
Date:2025-04-17 07:58:44
Los Angeles has seen a recent spike in flash mob robberies at high-end retailers, part of an ongoing issue that prompted L.A. officials to announce a new multi-agency task force to crack down on the problem.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, along with officials from the LAPD and the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, announced Thursday that the task force will provide a coordinated approach to addressing the trend of smash-and-grab and flash mob retail thefts.
"Our number one job is to keep Angelenos safe and to feel safe," Bass said at a news conference. "When incidents of brazen theft and robbery occur, it shatters that feeling of safety."
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said he is aware of at least 170 organized retail thefts — including smash-and-grabs and flash mobs — dating back to the fall of 2021.
"We are not only focused on the individuals walking into these stores and committing the crimes that we see on video, but if you are supporting them logistically, either by being a driver, harboring them, buying merchandise, selling merchandise, you're in this chain," Luna said.
The task force will be centered in the San Fernando Valley and spearheaded by the LAPD. It will include several local, state and federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service.
There will be 22 full-time investigators assigned to the task force with three separate surveillance and apprehension teams, said LAPD deputy chief Kris Pitcher. A prosecutor from the L.A. County District Attorney's Office will be embedded with the task force.
"We will be working effectively to go out and immediately identify, arrest these individuals, and serve immediate search warrants, and apprehend them, and bring them in custody and put them before the prosecutors to ultimately obtain justice for this," Pitcher said.
Despite a new federal law preventing the sale of stolen goods online, Bass noted some items still make it to those online markets.
"When these real high-end crimes are taking place, of purses that might cost $10,000 or $25,000...you know, they're being sold online," Bass said.
Michael Carson, a senior director for online retailer eBay, said eBay partners with law enforcement to flag stolen goods.
"It's where we work proactively and collaboratively with retailers to identify types of goods that may be stolen, and work with law enforcement to bring prosecution to people that may be committing crimes," Carson said.
Notable smash-and-grab and flash mob thefts
Pitcher on Thursday listed some of the largest recent incidents:
- July 3: Four suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks stole $32,000 of merchandise from Bloomingdales in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center.
- July 31: Ten to 15 suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks stole $100,000 worth of merchandise from a Gucci store in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center.
- Aug. 12: A flash mob of about 30 people wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks rushed into Nordstrom in the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center, sprayed a security guard with bear spray and stole $300,000 worth of merchandise.
- Aug. 15: Eleven suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks rushed into Ksubi, a high-end Hancock Park retail shop, and stole $100,000 worth of merchandise. One of the suspects simulated a gun in his pocket to a security guard, police said.
- In:
- Los Angeles
- Retail Theft
- Robbery
The KCAL News Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on KCALNews.com and CBSLA.com.
Twitter Facebook InstagramveryGood! (1819)
Related
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Merriam-Webster's word of the year definitely wasn't picked by AI
- 6 teenagers go on trial for their alleged role in the 2020 beheading of a French teacher
- Ukraine and the Western Balkans top Blinken’s agenda for NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Crocodile egg hunter dangling from helicopter died after chopper ran out of fuel, investigation finds
- Will & Grace Star Eric McCormack's Wife Janet Files for Divorce After 26 Years of Marriage
- Josh Allen, Bills left to contemplate latest heartbreak in a season of setbacks
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Natalie Portman on children working in entertainment: 'I don't believe that kids should work'
Ranking
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Delaware County’s top prosecutor becomes fifth Democrat to run for Pennsylvania attorney general
- Roommates sue Maryland county over death of pet dog shot by police
- Merriam-Webster's word of the year definitely wasn't picked by AI
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Paris Hilton Details “Beautiful” New Chapter After Welcoming Baby No. 2 With Carter Reum
- 5-year-old girl dies, search suspended for man swept out by California wave: Coast Guard
- Sentimental but not soppy, 'Fallen Leaves' gives off the magic glow of a fable
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Woman shocked with Taser while on ground is suing police officer and chief for not reporting it
Rare elephant twins born in Kenya, spotted on camera: Amazing odds!
Honda recalls more than 300,000 Accords and HR-Vs over missing seat belt piece
North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
Coach Outlet’s Cyber Monday Sale-on-Sale Has All Your Favorite Fall Bags For 70% Off & More
Pope Francis getting antibiotics intravenously for lung problem, limiting appointments, Vatican says
Poland’s president is to swear in a government expected to last no longer than 14 days