The Los Angeles Police Department has assigned its organized retail crime task force to assist in locating the group of teenagers guilty of 14 flash robberies at 7-Eleven locations across the city.
“They are also completely wrecking the place. “They’re vandalizing it,” Detective Supervisor Samuel Arnold explained. “We’re going to make it stop.”
The run of robberies began on July 12 and continued intermittently for two months, with the most recent incident occurring on September 20. Videos from the incidents show groups of youths, ranging from 20 to 40 suspects, storming convenience stores and looting the shelves.
Arnold stated that the vandalism caused around $30,000 in damages. According to investigators, 13 of the 14 robberies happened on Friday evenings.
“When you look at these photographs and videos, you can see they’re laughing. “They’re smiling,” Arnold explained. “It’s almost as if they’re having a good time.”
Arnold stated that officers identified several of the suspects and arrested at least one of the kids on Thursday.
“If anyone is viewing this video and you are involved in these activities, I want you to know that you are not out having fun and possibly committing minor theft. “We consider this a serious crime,” he stated. “Don’t get yourself involved in this.”
Detectives requested anyone with information on the robberies to call 1-877-527-3247. Those who desire to remain anonymous can contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit their website.