LAPD says parents turn their teenage children over to police after flash mob attacks

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The parents of several underage suspects have turned their children over to police after the teens allegedly took part in at least one of several flash mob robberies of convenience stores in Los Angeles, authorities said.

The LAPD announced the development at a meeting of the Los Angeles Police Commission on Tuesday.

“The flash mob robberies – It's interesting to hear that parents themselves have been active in ensuring that their children are held accountable and face the consequences,” Rasha Gerges Shields, vice president of the commission, said at the meeting. “That’s good to hear and hopefully this will just deter them and lead them down a better path.”

Flash mob robbers on bicycles have held up more than a dozen 7-Eleven stores in L.A. since mid-July, police said, and investigators continue to ask for help identifying the suspects.

According to the LAPD, a “bicycle crew” — consisting of about 20 to 40 youths — began attacking stores on July 12.

Police said all of the stores in Rampart, Hollywood, Wilshire and West LA counties were located within a short distance of each other.

At least 13 of the incidents occurred on Friday night. The suspects – described as young teenagers – ride their bikes to the stores, go inside and start grabbing what they can.

“Unfortunately, sometimes they think it's no big deal,” LAPD Det. Samuel Arnold said last week. “They might just be having a bit of fun and we need to make them realize it's a big deal. This isn't just shoplifting. You don't just go in there and steal some chips and some drinks. When you “completely take over a business, cause thousands of dollars of damage, and work together to create such fear in the community. This is a robbery.”

In several incidents, witnesses were pushed around, police said.

“Although no physical injuries were reported, several witnesses continue to fear for their safety following such aggressive and reckless criminal behavior,” police said in a news release.