Teens’ Flash Mob Crimes: Unexpected Parental Actions in Los Angeles

Finger touching phone with red warning symbol.

Three Los Angeles parents turn in their teenage children to police for involvement in 7-Eleven flash mob robberies, sparking debate on parental responsibility and juvenile crime.

At a Glance

  • Parents of three teenagers turned their children in to LAPD after recognizing them in robbery footage
  • Flash mob robberies targeted 14 7-Eleven stores across Los Angeles from July to September
  • Groups of 20 to 40 teens on bicycles overwhelmed stores, causing damage and stealing items
  • LAPD praised parents’ actions, hoping it will deter future criminal behavior

Parents Take Drastic Action Against Teen Crime

In a surprising turn of events, at least three Los Angeles parents have taken the difficult step of turning their own children in to the police. The teenagers were allegedly involved in a series of flash mob robberies targeting 7-Eleven stores across the city. This parental intervention came after the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released surveillance footage of the incidents, prompting the parents to recognize their children among the perpetrators.

The LAPD responded to 14 reports of these flash mobs between July 12 and September 20. The incidents typically involved groups of 20 to 40 teenagers on bicycles, who would swarm 7-Eleven stores, overwhelm employees, and proceed to steal food and other items while causing significant damage to the premises. Most of these robberies occurred on Friday evenings between 6:30 and 8 p.m., spanning various neighborhoods including Rampart, Wilshire, Hollywood, and West L.A.

Swift Action Following Public Appeal

The LAPD’s decision to release images from the thefts to the public proved crucial in identifying the suspects. Assistant Chief Blake Chow revealed that parents began turning in their children shortly after the footage was made public. On September 26, a mother brought her 14-year-old son to the Northeast police station, with two more parents following suit on September 28 and 29.

According to the LA Times, “At least three parents turned their children in to the Los Angeles Police Department for their involvement in multiple flash mob robberies at 7-Eleven stores across the city this summer, according to officials.”

The teenagers were subsequently booked on suspicion of robbery at various police stations across the city. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the teens were released back into their parents’ custody. It’s worth noting that their records will be sealed upon reaching adulthood, potentially offering a chance for rehabilitation without long-term legal consequences.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The actions of these parents have been met with widespread approval from both law enforcement and the community. Many view it as a responsible step towards addressing juvenile delinquency and preventing more serious criminal behavior in the future.

“The flash mob robberies — It is interesting to hear that parents themselves were active in getting their children to be held accountable for those and to face consequences,” Rasha Gerges Shields, the commission’s vice president, said at the meeting. “That’s good to hear and hopefully that will just deter them and lead them on a better path.”

LAPD Detective Samuel Arnold emphasized the gravity of these incidents, stating that they go beyond simple shoplifting. The coordinated nature of the attacks, the substantial property damage, and the fear instilled in the community elevate these actions to robbery. The police are continuing to work with local schools to identify more participants and are expecting further arrests.

While no physical injuries were reported during these incidents, the psychological impact on store employees and customers has been significant. The LAPD has provided contact information for additional tips, including anonymous options through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers, as they continue their investigation into these flash mob robberies.

As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by parents, law enforcement, and communities in addressing juvenile crime. The actions of these Los Angeles parents may well spark a broader conversation about parental responsibility and early intervention in preventing youth from embarking on a path of criminal behavior.

Sources:

  1. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-10-02/parents-children-7-eleven-flash-mob
  2. https://abc7.com/post/parents-turn-teen-children-police-after-flash-mob-robberies-lapd-says/15384020/
  3. https://www.foxla.com/news/7-eleven-flash-mob-robberires-parents-turn-in-kids
  4. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/investigations/parents-turning-in-teens-tied-to-flash-mob-robberies-at-la-convenience-stores/3525093/
  5. https://nypost.com/2024/10/02/us-news/parents-turn-in-their-own-kids-for-flash-mob-robberies-at-7-eleven-stores-they-did-the-right-thing/
  6. https://www.foxnews.com/us/lapd-parents-turn-kids-flash-mob-robberies-7-eleven-stores
  7. https://www.local12.com/news/nation-world/parents-of-teen-suspects-in-la-flash-mob-robberies-turn-kids-in-to-police-report-says-los-angeles-police-department-california-7-eleven-crime-public-safety
  8. https://www.wsfa.com/2024/10/02/kids-flash-mob-robberies-7-eleven-turned-police-by-their-own-parents-reports-say/
  9. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/teenagers-flash-mobs-la-7eleven-b2622809.html
  10. https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article293362194.html
  11. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article293362194.html
  12. https://www.yahoo.com/news/parents-turn-teen-police-la-123716198.html
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