A search is currently underway for over 30 culprits who conducted a mob-style smash-and-grab robbery at Westfield Topanga Mall in Canoga Park. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón assures the public that these perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.
The incident took place on Saturday afternoon inside the Nordstrom store at the mall and resulted in the theft of approximately $300,000 worth of merchandise. This follows a similar heist that occurred last week at an Yves Saint Laurent store at the Americana at Brand mall in Glendale, where losses were also estimated at $300,000.
Some critics, including Rick Caruso, the owner of Americana at Brand and a former L.A. mayoral candidate, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the justice system in holding offenders accountable. Caruso argues that a recent change in state law, which downgraded certain levels of property theft from felonies to misdemeanors, has emboldened criminals by removing the fear of punishment.
“The time has come to demand that our elected officials change the laws to hold criminals accountable and start enforcing the laws in a fair and equitable manner,” said Caruso following the heist at Americana at Brand. “Retail businesses, large and small, are experiencing a concerning increase in ‘smash and grab’ robberies. I have personally heard from small business owners who feel defeated due to the lack of accountability for criminals.”
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Gascón emphasized that his office is actively pursuing prosecutions in cases of mob-style robberies, treating them as organized crime felonies rather than simple misdemeanors.
“We have assigned our organized crime division to work on these cases for the past year and a half. We see them as organized crime, and we will utilize every tool available under the law to ensure that these individuals are held accountable. Such behavior is unacceptable in a civilized society,” Gascón stated.
Gascón also mentioned that there are individuals in the community who can identify the robbers, and those who have purchased stolen merchandise should also face consequences.
While Gascón’s department is not directly involved in the Glendale or Canoga Park cases, Sheriff Robert Luna assured reporters that the sheriff’s department will cooperate with other law enforcement agencies.
“We will communicate, investigate, and provide assistance in any way we can,” Luna said. “But once we gather enough evidence to apprehend individuals, we will take them into custody and proceed accordingly.”
The Nordstrom robbery occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday at the store located at 21725 Victory Blvd. Cell phone footage shared on Twitter showed masked suspects, both male and female, smashing displays, grabbing clothing and bags, and swiftly fleeing the premises.
According to the police, at least 30 individuals were involved in the incident. The mall was not evacuated, but a security guard at the store’s entrance was treated by an ambulance after being sprayed with bear spray.
In response to the crime, Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement condemning the incident.
“What transpired today at the Nordstrom in the Topanga Mall is completely unacceptable,” Bass said. “Those responsible for this and similar acts in neighboring areas must be held accountable. The Los Angeles Police Department will continue its efforts to not only apprehend those responsible for this incident, but also to prevent future attacks on retailers.”
The LAPD urges anyone with information to contact Det. Santander at 818-374-9420 or call 877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) during off-hours. Information can also be sent to [email protected] or reported anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or lacrimestoppers.org.
The Glendale incident involving the Yves Saint Laurent store occurred on August 8 at approximately 4:50 p.m. The crime was also captured on video and widely circulated.
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