A flash mob orchestrated a brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a Nordstrom store in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, adding to a series of high-end store heists in the area. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, approximately 30 to 50 individuals participated in the daytime robbery on Saturday afternoon. The suspects, both male and female, used bear spray and escaped in sedans with their license plates removed.
A shopper at the scene captured the chaos on video and shared it on social media, revealing pillaged clothing racks, broken glass from display counters, and a mannequin lying on the floor near the entrance. Hooded figures swiftly carried multiple bags amidst the debris as the sound of clothing sensor tags rang in the background.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries during the incident, although further details were not provided by a customer service representative. This incident follows a similar heist that occurred on August 8 at an Yves Saint Laurent store in Glendale, where around 30 to 40 individuals stormed the store and made off with approximately $300,000 worth of merchandise. The Glendale Police Department is currently investigating that case.
Another high-end store targeted was the Gucci store at the Westfield Century City Mall, which was hit by at least nine people on August 1. Incidents like these have been on the rise, with a previous robbery at the same Nordstrom store in November 2021 when robbers used bear spray on a security guard and made off with several high-end purses.
These smash-and-grab robberies are part of a larger trend occurring in Southern and Northern California. For example, a Nordstrom in Walnut Creek was targeted by about 90 people, resulting in more than $100,000 worth of stolen goods and the arrest of three individuals. LAPD Chief Michel Moore responded to these incidents by increasing patrols around high-end retailers, while Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the California Highway Patrol to ramp up its presence near major retailers.
As these daring thefts continue to unfold, it remains a concerning issue for both law enforcement and the retail industry. Balancing the need for security with providing an enjoyable shopping experience for customers is a challenge that needs to be addressed to prevent further incidents. It is crucial to establish effective measures in order to combat this wave of bold criminal activity and ensure the safety and security of both shoppers and retailers.
