CANOGA PARK (CNS) – A mob of up to 50 masked and hoodie-wearing people smashed displays and grabbed merchandise at the Canoga Park Nordstrom store today.
The mass-shoplifting occurred just after 4 p.m. at the store at 21725
Victory Blvd., east of Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the Westfield Topanga Mall, said Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Pedro Muniz.
Cell phone video posted on X showed male and female suspects grabbing clothing and bags and running from the store.
There were 30 to 50 people, involved, Muniz said.
The mall was not evacuated, he said. An ambulance was summoned to the store to treat a male who was sprayed with bear spray.
The heist was similar to what Glendale police described as a “flash
mob” that struck the Yves Saint Laurent store at the Americana at Brand mall in Glendale about 4:50 p.m. Tuesday.
“The suspects stole clothing and other merchandise before fleeing on
foot and leaving the location in numerous vehicles,” Glendale Police
Department Sgt. Victor Jackson said. “While still unde investigation, the estimated loss is approximately $300,000.
“These ‘flash mob’ burglaries involve a large, coordinated group of
individuals simultaneously rushing into the store, overwhelming staff and taking it over,” Jackson added.
“The suspects grab as much merchandise as possible before fleeing in multiple vehicles.”
That crime was also captured on video, which was widely circulated.
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