'Flash Mob' Robberies: OCSD Will Protect Businesses, Patrons

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — A series of "smash and grab-style" robberies at California department and big-box stores have the Orange County Sheriff Department on alert, according to Sheriff Don Barnes.

Across California, police are investigating multiple incidents of so-called "flash mob" thefts in which groups of robbers rush into stores, grab merchandise and run out with it. In some cases, security guards are attacked as the robbers flee. Thousands of dollars in cash and goods—and even cash registers—have been taken in many cases.

On Tuesday, Barnes released a statement discussing the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has dubbed "flash mob" robberies. Four such incidents have taken place across the southland in recent days.

Los Angeles is only part of the problem. In late November, 80 people descended upon a Walnut Creek Nordstrom, stealing merchandise and fleeing in numerous "get-away" vehicles. Days later, another group of 20 mobbed a Nordstrom store at the Grove Shopping Center in the Fairfax District. A few arrests were made, where officers recovered clothing and at least one cash register.

Recently, a Home Depot at Lakewood Central Mall was robbed by a mob of thieves who took sledgehammers, crowbars and hammers before they fled the scene. A few arrests were made days after the incident. Aside from asking the public to stay vigilant and promising upgraded police presence through the holidays, there isn't much more to be done other than be present. According to Barnes, the Golden State is "reaping the results of bad public policy."

Read: Brazen 'Mass-Mob' SoCal Burglaries Trigger Increased Patrols

"I know retailers in Orange County are concerned about the safety of their customers and employees," Barnes said.

To combat similar actions, the Orange County Sheriff's deputies are proactively patrolling shopping centers, have contacted store managers, and have been re-briefed on the facility layout of local malls.

In Orange County, crime analysts are working to follow trends and stay proactive regarding possible flash mob robbery planning over social media, according to OCSD spokesman Sgt. Todd Hylton.

'It's the holiday season, and more people in the community than ever are out shopping," Hylton said. "We will be out and about to keep people safe."

"We will not hesitate to stop and arrest anyone who commits or attempts to commit theft," Barnes said. Still, the penalties for these crimes must be "meaningful" to "detour theft."

Barnes says that the state must be willing to prosecute those who "so brazenly steal from our hardworking business community and residents."