California parents turn in children after fourteen flash mob robberies: LAPD

Since July, the group of young people has targeted fourteen stores. Authorities called it “flash robberies” and said 20 to 40 suspects were involved.

California parents turned in their children after Los Angeles police sought the public’s help in finding youths who took part in multiple flash mob robberies at 7-Eleven stores and fled on bicycles.

An LAPD officer confirmed to USA TODAY that some of the people involved had been reported by their parents.

Since July, the group of youths have attacked fourteen stores, police said in a press release on September 25. Authorities called them “flash robberies” and said 20 to 40 suspects were involved, most of whom fled on bicycles.

The fourteen robberies took place from mid-July to September and some stores were hit more than once. Stores were generally close together in Rampart, Hollywood, Wilshire and West LA, and most robberies occurred on Friday evenings, authorities said.

Police say the group committed the 14 robberies on the following days: July 12, July 19, August 2, August 9, August 16 and September 20.

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Teenagers rode bicycles to commit robberies, police say

According to authorities, the suspects came to the stores on bicycles in the evening, usually on Fridays, then walked in, took items, damaged property and left without paying anything.

“The suspects are described as juvenile males, possibly teenagers, varying in ethnicity and physical characteristics,” police wrote on September 25.

Witnesses said the suspects pushed them, although no one reported any injuries, police said.

“Several witnesses continue to fear for their safety after such aggressive and callous criminal behavior,” police added.

The police have released more than a hundred images of suspects to gain tips

LAPD released more than 100 photos of the incidents last week.

Assistant Chief Blake Chow said the photos prompted at least three parents to reach out as soon as they recognized their children, television station KNBC reported. The teens have been released, but prosecutors are investigating the evidence, the outlet reported.

LAPD said the department has mounted additional patrol efforts to prevent future flash mob robberies.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 1-877-527-3247 or LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Tipsters can also visit www.lacrimestoppers.org or send evidence to [email protected].

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her [email protected].