### Arrests Made in Los Angeles Flash-Mob Robberies After Parents Report Children

Los Angeles police have made several arrests following a series of flash-mob style robberies at various 7-Eleven stores, thanks to the efforts of some vigilant parents. These individuals identified their children in surveillance footage released by the LAPD. Between July 12 and September 20, a total of 14 robberies were recorded across 10 different store locations within the Rampart, Hollywood, Wilshire, and West L.A. divisions.

The suspects, typically groups of 20 to 40 males appearing to be teenagers, would arrive at the stores on bicycles during evening hours. They were reported to steal items, damage property, and flee without making any payments. Witnesses, feeling threatened for their safety, noted that some suspects had even engaged in physical altercations, although no injuries have been reported.

In a news release dated September 26, investigators linked the crime spree to a single group, revealing that 13 of the 14 incidents occurred on Friday nights. During an October 1 meeting of the L.A. Board of Police Commissioners, Assistant LAPD Chief Blake Chow highlighted the role of surveillance footage and media press releases in generating public tips that led to several arrests.

By September 26, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force responded to a case in the Northeast Area where a parent turned in their child, resulting in the juvenile's booking for robbery. Similar actions were taken by other parents on September 28 in the Southwest Area and again on September 29 in the 77th Area, both leading to the arrests of their children for their involvement in these flash-mob robberies.

Assistant Chief Chow mentioned that through interviews, investigators found that many of the juveniles involved did not reside in the neighborhoods where the crimes took place. He added that further arrests are expected as anonymous tips continue to come in and school resource officers work to identify additional suspects.