The Los Angeles Police Department's Organized Retail Crimes Task Force is on the hunt for a group of brazen robbers behind a series of coordinated thefts at local shops. Dubbed "flash robberies," these incidents have seen groups of 10 to 20 suspects storm retail stores and make off with merchandise, all while employing force and showing a disregard for the safety of employees and patrons. The crime spree began on March 3, 2024, primarily targeting stores close to each other within the LAPD's Hollenbeck and Newton divisions, LAPD Newsroom reports.

Employing bicycles to swiftly escape the scene after stealing clothing and other goods, the suspects have been described troublingly as young men, possibly high schoolers from the area, based on the LAPD's assessment. The robbers believed to be male Hispanics standing five to six feet tall and weighing between 120 to 250 pounds, appear to range in age from 15 to 25 years. According to the LAPD, it's likely that the suspects are students at nearby schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

In the crackdown on these "flash robberies," the LAPD ORCTF is reaching out to the public for help in identifying the culprits. Details provided by witnesses have been crucial as officials work to piece together the pattern of these blitz-like thefts occurring in the evening hours. Suspects are noted for their hooded sweatshirts and face coverings which help them evade easy identification while they ransack the stores.

The department has cast a wide net for tips, urging anyone with information to step forward. Still unidentified, the public has been directed to contact the ORCTF via [email protected] or the 24/7 hotline at 1-877-LAPD-24-7. For those wishing to remain anonymous, they can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or submit tips via the "P3 Tips" mobile application choosing the L. A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their program, as the police department's official release urges.

This series of robberies poses a significant challenge to authorities and local retailers alike, as the boldness and precision of these acts have raised concerns about a potential rise in organized retail crime in the area.