In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into flash mob robberies at convenience stores in Los Angeles, parents of several teenagers have taken the unprecedented step of turning their children in to the police. This move follows the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) release of surveillance footage and photos from the robberies, which helped identify some of the perpetrators.
The Robberies and Police Response
Since July, at least 14 different 7-Eleven stores across Los Angeles have been targeted by organized mobs of thieves, often arriving on bicycles and overwhelming store employees. These flash mobs, which typically occurred on Fridays between 6:30 and 8 p.m., involved groups of 20 to 40 teenagers who would steal food, other items, and sometimes destroy shelves, appliances, and fixtures.
The LAPD, in an effort to curb these crimes, released photos and video clips from the robberies, urging the public to help identify the participants. This strategy proved effective when parents recognized their children in the footage and decided to take action.
Parental Accountability
Assistant Chief Blake Chow of the LAPD announced that the parents of three teenagers brought their children to police stations after identifying them in the surveillance footage. These teens were booked on suspicion of robbery at the Northeast, 77th, and Southwest police stations. The surrenders were a direct result of the LAPD's publicizing the images from the thefts.
Commissioner Rasha Gerges Shields, vice-president of the Board of Police Commissioners, praised the parents' actions, noting that it was 'interesting to hear that parents themselves were active in getting their children to be held accountable for those and to face consequences'.
Ongoing Investigation
The LAPD continues to investigate these incidents and is working with schools to identify other teenagers involved in the flash mobs. Investigators believe that many of the teenagers were not from the neighborhoods where the robberies took place. The police are also receiving tips from the public and expect more arrests as the investigation unfolds.
While the teenagers who were turned in by their parents have been released pending the evaluation of evidence by prosecutors, the LAPD is urging anyone with information about the robberies to come forward. Tips can be given to the LAPD at (877)-LAPD-24-7 or through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.
The phenomenon of flash mobs turning to criminal activities highlights the need for community involvement and parental responsibility in preventing such incidents.
