Around 30 Thieves Storm Alameda Retailer

ALAMEDA, CA — For more than a week "flash mob" style robberies have plagued the Golden State. In the latest reported incident, a large group of thieves stormed into an Alameda retailer on Saturday, officials said.

Officers were dispatched early Saturday morning after receiving reports of 20 to 30 people forcing entry into a retail store in Alameda. The large group reportedly arrived in vehicle caravans, broke into the store and grabbed armfuls of merchandise before fleeing, the Alameda Police Department said in a statement.

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"Over the last week, we have witnessed businesses fall victim to organized retail thefts throughout the entire state of California," police said. "Here in the City of Alameda, local businesses have been on the receiving end of these types of crimes."

Alameda investigators said they were working collaboratively with multiple law enforcement agencies to identify suspects involved with the robbery.

The department offered the following tips to local retailers to mitigate more robberies:

• Consider installing a shatterproof window film.
• Install motion-sensor cameras that can notify you directly inside of your business. Should anyone gain entry after hours, you can immediately monitor this situation and notify the police.
• Remove high-value items from the store floor and secure the items in a secured backroom or safe.
• Install glass break alarms.

Police urged the public not to intervene while such crimes are underway.

"Your safety is of the utmost importance," police said. "Here's what you can do: Be a good witness and contact the local authorities right away, provide as many details as possible about the personal characteristics of those responsible including, clothing and/or getaway vehicles."