Two late-night robberies at 7-Eleven stores in Palms and Westlake have Los Angeles police searching for a masked crew that slipped in, grabbed cash, and sped off before officers could catch up. Clerks at both locations were left rattled but unhurt, and detectives are still trying to figure out whether the hits are connected.
Palms store hit around 10:15 p.m.
Shortly after 10:15 p.m., two masked people walked into the 7-Eleven in the 3100 block of Overland Avenue in Palms and yanked out both cash registers, according to a store clerk. The worker told reporters he was not injured and did not see any weapon, as reported by AOL.
Westlake robbery around 11:40 p.m.
About an hour and a half later, officers were called to another 7-Eleven, this one in the 3100 block of Beverly Boulevard in Westlake, for a reported robbery. In that case, two suspects allegedly grabbed cash from a register and took off in a waiting vehicle. The Los Angeles Police Department has not released descriptions of the suspects and has not determined whether the two incidents are related, according to CBS Los Angeles.
Surveillance and tips
Both stores are believed to have working surveillance cameras, which investigators hope will help them zero in on those responsible. Detectives have not yet released any images from the footage and are asking anyone with information to contact investigators or their local LAPD station, per reporting from AOL.
A broader pattern
The robberies come against the backdrop of a broader pattern of coordinated thefts involving 7-Eleven locations across Los Angeles County. In March, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced long prison sentences for a crew that targeted dozens of stores and said prosecutors are ramping up enforcement on retail theft. The office has stressed the impact of these coordinated crimes on workers and family-run franchise owners, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
What the police are looking for
LAPD detectives are canvassing neighboring blocks, talking to potential witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage from around both stores as they try to identify suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact their local LAPD division or reach out to Crime Stoppers with tips.
