The way to deal with these flash mobs is to charge those caught with what they’re really doing: strong-arm robbery (felony), not the usual piddly misdemeanor shoplifting. The opinion of the shopkeepers and owner should weigh heavily here. And those caught can either name everybody they were with or take the rap for 50 felony counts themselves, which means they’ll have gray hair before seeing the street again.
This garbage will continue to happen as long as it continues to be treated as cute and funny frat-boy prank.
Legalize public flogging, too.