Shocking Mob-Style Robbery at Topanga Mall Leaves Police Searching for up to 30 Suspects
CANOGA PARK, LOS ANGELES – In a terrifying incident captured on video, a mob-style smash-and-grab robbery unfolded at the Nordstrom store inside Westfield Topanga Mall on Saturday. The shocking footage, shared by an Instagram user, shows a large group of suspects smashing display cases, grabbing merchandise, and making a quick getaway.
The incident occurred around 4:15 p.m., according to authorities. As chaos erupted inside the store, a security guard was targeted and sprayed with either Mace pepper spray or bear spray. Reports suggest that between 20 to 30 suspects were involved in the robbery, with all of them fleeing the scene in several vehicles, including a BMW, a Lexus, and a Honda.
Witnesses to the brazen robbery expressed their shock and confusion at the scene. “I really didn’t understand at first what was going on, and then I recognized what was really happening when all the security… everybody was going to the one area,” one witness said.
Estimates from investigators indicate that the group successfully stole between $60,000 and $100,000 worth of merchandise, creating a significant blow to the retail establishment.
“We were sitting having coffee, and all of a sudden, we saw so many people running out of the store. We were not in the store. We were at the entry of the store… so many people coming out,” another witness described.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass swiftly condemned the incident, stating, “What happened today at the Nordstrom in the Topanga Mall is absolutely unacceptable. Those who committed these acts and acts like it in neighboring areas must be held accountable. The Los Angeles Police Department will continue to work to not only find those responsible for this incident but to prevent these attacks on retailers from happening in the future.”
Law enforcement authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Los Angeles Police Department. Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
The brazen nature of this robbery underscores the need for heightened security measures and vigilance in retail establishments. The incident serves as a reminder that retailers must remain proactive in safeguarding their assets and the safety of their customers and staff.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to apprehend those responsible and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.