A search is currently underway for more than two dozen individuals involved in a mob-style smash-and-grab robbery at Westfield Topanga Mall in Canoga Park. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is determined to hold the culprits accountable for their actions.
The incident took place on Saturday afternoon inside the Nordstrom store, where approximately 30 people participated in the chaos. The stolen merchandise is estimated to be worth around $300,000. This incident follows a similar heist at an Yves Saint Laurent store in the Americana at Brand mall in Glendale, where the loss was also estimated at $300,000.
Critics, including Rick Caruso, the owner of Americana at Brand and a former L.A. mayoral candidate, are questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement and the justice system in ensuring accountability. Caruso believes that recent changes in state law, which have reduced certain levels of property theft from felonies to misdemeanors, have removed the fear of punishment and emboldened criminals.
Caruso expressed his concerns, stating, “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. Retail businesses and shopping areas, both small and large, are witnessing a disturbing increase in ‘smash and grab’ robberies. Small business owners, in particular, feel defeated by the lack of consequences for criminals.”
Speaking to reporters, Gascón assured that his office is taking aggressive measures in prosecuting these organized crime activities. He emphasized that his office treats mob-style robberies as organized crime felonies, not mere misdemeanors. His team has been dedicated to investigating such cases for the past year and a half, utilizing every available tool under the law to ensure accountability for those arrested. Gascón maintains that this type of behavior is unacceptable in a civilized society.
Sheriff Robert Luna, while not directly involved in the Glendale or Canoga Park cases, assured the public that the sheriff’s department will collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation. Luna stated, “We will communicate, investigate, and provide any assistance necessary. Once we gather sufficient evidence to apprehend individuals, we will take them into custody and proceed accordingly.”
The Nordstrom robbery occurred on Saturday, just after 4 p.m., at the store located on Victory Blvd. Cell phone footage shared on Twitter captured the chaos, showing multiple suspects, both male and female, wearing masks, hoodies, and other disguises, as they smashed displays, stole clothing and bags, and swiftly exited the store. Police estimate that at least 30 individuals were involved in the incident. While the mall was not evacuated, a security guard stationed at the store’s entrance had to be treated for bear spray exposure.
Mayor Karen Bass released a statement condemning the crime, asserting that such acts are completely unacceptable. She emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible for this incident as well as similar attacks in neighboring areas. Bass expressed her confidence in the Los Angeles Police Department’s commitment to finding the culprits and preventing future attacks on retailers.
The LAPD is urging anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective Santander at 818-374-9420, or, during off-hours, at 877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Information can also be shared via email at [email protected] or anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or lacrimestoppers.org.
The Yves Saint Laurent heist in Glendale occurred on August 8th, around 4:50 p.m. Video footage capturing the incident went viral shortly after.
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