In a terrifying turn of events on Sunday, a Nike Store in Los Angeles fell victim to a theft by a flash mob. The incident resulted in a staggering loss of approximately $12,000 worth of merchandise. The crime took place on Sunday, November 19, around 5:50 p.m. and was captured on cameras installed inside the store. The video footage reveals a group of masked and hooded individuals storming the store, hastily snatching shoes and clothing, and finally making a swift getaway.
After the theft was reported, the Los Angeles Police Department launched an intensive search for the culprits. The mob that barged into the store is estimated to consist of 17 suspects who arrived in five vehicles at the shopping center located on the 9800 block of South Alameda Street. The suspects executed the theft with precision as their faces were obscured by medical masks or other materials. They utilized trash bags to stash the stolen items before fleeing, without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise.
Law enforcement has identified the suspects as four Black females and 13 Black males, all aged between 15 to 20 years. The vehicles involved in the crime include a tan Infiniti four-door, a gray KIA SUV, a white Honda four-door, and a black Audi. According to the LAPD, the suspects have strategically used their overwhelming numbers to intimidate and create chaos. This prevented store employees from intervening.
The disturbing video footage shows the suspects tearing through the store, stuffing blue trash bags with pilfered shoe boxes and clothing. Amid all the chaos, the cries of a distressed child can be heard, reflecting the disruptive nature of the criminal act. The footage also revealed one of the suspects wearing a hooded sweatshirt adorned with a bonsai tree logo and the words “Ritual of the Spirit.”
This Nike Store theft incident is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division, Organized Crime Retail Taskforce (ORCT). A team of detectives, led by ORCT Detective Juan Campos are urging the public to come forward and share any information with them that may aid in nabbing the criminals and solving the case.
This theft is just one example of a concerning trend in organized retail crime. Similar incidents of theft have gained momentum during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a 2022 National Retail Security Survey, losses exceeding $100 billion across the U.S. were incurred due to similar types of crimes. In a recent study, the Council on Criminal Justice has highlighted a surge in shoplifting incidents, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles and New York.
Ernesto Lopez, a Research Specialist with the Council on Criminal Justice has highlighted the pressing need for more comprehensive data to understand the nuances of the spiking shoplifting trend. He stated, “Far better data from law enforcement and the retail industry is needed to help strengthen our grasp of shoplifting trends. For now, it’s unclear if the increase is a result of increased shoplifting, increased reporting from businesses to police, or a combination of both.”
Authorities are working tirelessly to nab those responsible for the Nike Store theft. The incident shows the challenges faced by retailers due to the broader landscape of organized retail crime. Incidents of thefts like these are a stark reminder of the complex issues that compromise security in the retail sector and the need for a multifaceted approach to address the root causes to safeguard businesses and communities from such criminal activities.
