Huge 'flash mob' of 30 thieves raid store at shopping mall in $400,000 heist

21 August 2023 , 08:47

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Huge 'flash mob' of 30 thieves raid store at shopping mall in $400,000 heist

A huge "flash mob" robbery has hit a high-end Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) store where thieves made off with around $400,000 worth of clothes and accessories with one arrest so far.

The robbery, located in the Glendale Americana at Brand mall in Los Angeles, involved approximately 30 thieves who quickly swarmed the store.

Ivan Isaac Ramirez, 23, was apprehended on Thursday by police for his alleged involvement in the large-scale theft that took place on August 8.

Ramirez now faces several charges, including organised retail theft, burglary, grand theft, and conspiracy. Brianna Jimenez, 21, another suspect believed to be involved in the incident, remains at large and is actively being pursued by the police. A photo of Jimenez was released over the weekend to aid in her identification.

Footage from the robbery at the store showed a group of hooded and masked thieves running out of the shop with arms full of merchandise (Instagram/@ella_ise24)

The robbery was captured in videos that were posted online, depicting a group of individuals dressed in dark clothing and masks storming into the YSL store. The thieves grabbed merchandise and fled the scene in a matter of seconds. No weapons were reported to have been used during the robbery.

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Chief Manuel Cid of the Glendale Police Department issued a statement following Ramirez's arrest. He said: "I assure all members of the Glendale community and the broader Los Angeles region that these brazen smash-and-grab robberies and burglaries will not be tolerated."

Ivan Isaac Ramirez, 23, was apprehended on Thursday by police (Glendale Police Department)

Brianna Jimenez, 21, another suspect believed to be involved in the incident, remains at large (Glendale Police Department)

Footage from the robbery also showed the hooded and masked thieves rushing out of the store, carrying arms full of stolen merchandise.

Display cases were shattered and luxury items were snatched from their fixtures. One thief was captured on camera dragging a large metal display shelf behind them, still attached to a luxury leather bag secured with a security tag. The thieves managed to flee the scene with a substantial haul of high-end designer accessories and clothing.

They made a rapid escape to waiting vehicles parked at the curb, where approximately 20 cars were stationed. The suspects then fled in multiple directions.

The group involved got away with an estimated $400,000 from the mall (ABC7)

Speaking about the incident to KTLA, Glendale police Sgt. Victor Jackson said there was a 'short pursuit' of the suspects, but police did not locate any of them.

He described the robbery as a 'flash mob,' explaining: "In this circumstance, they kind of overwhelm the staff of the store. They all come in simultaneously. The staff doesn't know how to respond, they're trying to figure out what's happening."

As investigations continue, law enforcement officials have reassured the public that they are dedicated to dismantling such criminal networks and ensuring that such acts are met with serious consequences.

Chief Cid added: "This marks the first arrest related to this crime and there are more arrests to come."

Lucy Williamson