Los Angeles: “An investigation is currently underway into a ‘flash mob’ robbery that took place at the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center in Canoga Park on Saturday. The Los Angeles Police Department is looking into the incident, where an estimated 20 to 30 individuals entered the Nordstrom store around 4 p.m. and proceeded to ransack the shelves and displays, grabbing anything they could before fleeing the scene. The LAPD reports that the stolen items are valued between $60,000 and $100,000. The suspects, both male and female, were wearing face coverings during the robbery. Video footage from the scene shows the suspects quickly snatching clothing, purses, and even dragging displays as they caused chaos in a matter of minutes. There are even reports of a security guard at the store being sprayed with mace or pepper spray during the brazen robbery. A similar incident occurred in November 2021 when a group targeted the same Nordstrom store and used bear spray on one of the security guards. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Following the circulation of the incident video on social media, local politicians in the Los Angeles area released statements expressing their outrage. Mayor Karen Bass stated, ‘What happened today at the Nordstrom in the Topanga Mall is completely unacceptable. Those responsible for these acts, as well as similar incidents in neighboring areas, must be held accountable. The Los Angeles Police Department will continue to work diligently to identify the individuals involved in this incident and prevent future attacks on retailers.’ City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield echoed these sentiments, saying, ‘The crimes committed at the Topanga Mall are shocking, and it is deeply disturbing to see organized theft rings operating so brazenly in LA. These individuals must face the consequences of their actions. I will collaborate with Mayor Bass, Chief Moore, and the LAPD to enhance safety measures and protect both retailers and customers in the West Valley area.’
Local residents who frequently visit the area expressed their frustration with the recurring incidents and pointed to the controversial zero-bail policy as the cause. This policy prevents the LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department from requiring cash bail for individuals arrested for misdemeanors or non-violent offenses. Steve Grossman, a resident of Woodland Hills, voiced his concerns, stating, ‘The police are constrained and unable to fulfill their duties. Criminals are not being fully prosecuted.’ Meri Grossman shared similar sentiments, saying, ‘I avoid going to this mall or any other mall. I prefer to do all my shopping online because it feels too dangerous.’ Attorney Scott Tenley emphasized that the lack of consequences encourages perpetrators to continue engaging in such audacious acts. Tenley explained, ‘When individuals don’t have any money in their pockets, they might end up in jail while awaiting trial. On the other hand, this creates an incentive for people to commit non-violent property crimes. Perpetrators are well aware of what to do: wear single-color clothing, cover their faces, stay in groups, avoid standing out, and make a quick escape. It’s like following a recipe.’
KCAL News reached out to both the Westfield Topanga mall and Nordstrom for comment; however, they did not respond. This incident marks the second robbery under similar circumstances in the past week, as a group of 30 individuals allegedly stole up to $300,000 worth of goods from a Saint Laurent store at the Americana in Glendale.”
