Los Angeles police have ordered an organized retail crime task force to help find the group of teens responsible for 14 flash robberies at several 7-Eleven stores in the city.
‘They also completely destroy the building. They are destroying it,” Detective Samuel Arnold said. “We’re going to make sure it stops.”
The series of robberies began on July 12 and continued sporadically for two months, with the latest case occurring on September 20. Video footage of the incidents shows groups of teenagers, ranging from twenty to forty suspects, robbing supermarkets and looting the shelves. Arnold said the vandalism resulted in damages of about $30,000. According to detectives, 13 of the 14 robberies occurred on Friday evening.
“When you see these images and when you see the videos, they go in smiling. They’re smiling,” Arnold said. “It’s almost like they’re having a good time.”
Arnold said detectives identified several of the suspects and arrested at least one of the teens Thursday.
“If anyone is watching this video and you are involved in these crimes, I want you to understand that you are not just having fun and maybe committing petty theft. We consider this a serious crime,” he said. “Don’t involve yourself in this.”
Detectives urged anyone with information about the robberies to call 1(877) 527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-8477 or visit their website.
