Flash robbery crew wanted for ransacking Los Angeles County stores

Authorities are searching for suspects wanted for a series of “flash robberies” targeting stores across Los Angeles County. 

The group of suspects began targeting retail shops on March 3, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The robbery crew involves around 10 to 20 male suspects who are all between 15 to 25 years old, authorities said.

The suspects entered retail stores at nighttime while wearing hooded sweatshirts and face coverings. They would quickly overtake the shops and begin grabbing as much clothing and merchandise as they could hold.

They would then run out of the store without paying for the items and typically fled the area on bicycles, police said.

All the recently targeted stores were located within a few miles of each other. 

Police believe many of the young suspects likely attend the Los Angeles Unified School District, which is located near the victimized stores. 

During the thefts, the suspects “used force and displayed a lack of regard for the safety of witnesses and victims,” said LAPD.

Security images capture the group recently targeting a WSS shoe store along with other retailers. All suspects are described as Hispanic males between 15-25 years old.

In most flash mob robberies, a large group of thieves will overwhelm store employees and security guards while grabbing as many items as possible before fleeing. Their hauls can be very costly and in many cases across Southern California, targeted stores are either high-end retailers or shops that sell valuable merchandise.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information on the case is asked to contact the LAPD at ORC@lapd.online or call 1-877-527-3247.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.