A group of over 30 individuals described as a “mob of criminals” executed a brazen theft at the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, according to authorities.
In the incident that occurred shortly after 4 p.m., the Nordstrom store became the target as the group stormed in, swiftly snatching merchandise from displays near the entrance before making a swift escape. During the tumult, one person deployed bear spray onto a security guard, incapacitating them at the entrance to the store, as stated by the Los Angeles police on Monday.
In a video shared by the police, individuals clad in all-black attire could be seen ransacking the store, hauling away duffel bags, purses, and various items amid the shattered glass strewn across the floor.
“The suspects were wearing ski masks and fled with high-end handbags, clothing, and other easily resalable items,” the police reported.
The identity of the suspects remains unknown, and no arrests have been made as of yet, according to Officer Rosario Cervantes of the Los Angeles police.
This audacious crime has left the community grappling with feelings of insecurity, as expressed by the police via a statement on Twitter. The Los Angeles Police Department has pledged to employ all available resources to apprehend those responsible and pursue criminal charges.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass deemed the incident “absolutely unacceptable” and conveyed her sentiments in a written statement. She stressed the importance of holding the culprits accountable for their actions, not only for this occurrence but to deter similar attacks on retailers in the future.
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In a strikingly similar occurrence, a comparable incident took place in the neighboring area of Glendale on Tuesday. Thieves executed a “bold, flash mob burglary” at a Yves Saint Laurent store, making away with property estimated to be worth $300,000. These so-called “flash mob” burglaries entail a coordinated and large-scale rush into stores, overwhelming the staff, and seizing merchandise before escaping in multiple vehicles, as outlined by Glendale police.
