California Highway Patrol Cracks Down on “Flash Mob” Robberies in Los Angeles
GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is taking action against a surge in “flash mob” robberies that have made national headlines. In recent weeks, organized thefts have targeted various stores across Los Angeles, including high-end retailers like the Yves Saint Laurent store at the Americana in Glendale and a Nike store in East L.A.
Mark Werts, a store owner along La Brea Avenue, voiced his frustration, stating, “Enough is enough.” On Tuesday, a staggering $100,000 worth of merchandise was stolen from a Ksubi store near Werts’ business. “Nothing happens. Nothing. Zero,” Werts lamented. “So they keep doing it.” He described the recent incidents as “unbelievable” and “total chaos.”
The thefts have become nearly a daily occurrence, according to owners along the store-lined stretch of La Brea. The situation has caused significant concern among both business owners and customers, with many feeling helpless and vulnerable.
To curb this alarming trend, the CHP announced on Wednesday a renewed effort by its Organized Retail Crime Task Force. In a statement, the CHP emphasized their commitment to disrupt criminal operations and send a strong message that such illicit activities will not be tolerated in the state.
Meanwhile, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and various law enforcement leaders will be announcing a plan to crack down on these crimes. Additionally, Gov. Gavin Newsom previously announced the allocation of $85 million annually for three years to local law enforcement agencies to combat organized retail crime.
“The public has an expectation to go out and shop with their families without experiencing lawlessness,” said CHP Assistant Commissioner Aniceto Ortiz during a press conference on Wednesday. However, statewide numbers reveal a disturbing trend, with retail robberies and shoplifting incidents increasing dramatically since the onset of the pandemic, reaching a staggering 188,000 incidents.
Many business owners argue that hiring armed guards is prohibitively expensive, leaving them at the mercy of a failing criminal justice system. Consequently, there is growing dissatisfaction with the city’s leadership and the alleged lack of response to the escalating wave of robberies. “They don’t understand what’s going on in their own city at all,” Werts criticized.
With law enforcement agencies and government officials prioritizing action against these organized retail crimes, affected communities are hopeful that the situation will be brought under control, allowing businesses and citizens to feel safe once again.