Posted on 03/04/2011 5:27:39 AM PST by Altura Ct.
Stores on the Mag Mile are on alert after several thefts involving flash mobs. In each case, a group of teens create a disturbance, steal items and then run from the stores.
CBS 2′s Suzanne Le Mignot reports in the past several weeks, there have been at least three incidents on Michigan Avenue. Sources tell CBS 2 the teens involved are between 17 and 13 years old.
Apparently they’ve been Tweeting each other. They pick a spot to meet and then go as groups to carry out their crimes. It’s all part of a growing phenomenon.
You can see mob robbery videos on YouTube. In one tape, 50 teens are seen entering a St. Paul, Minnesota convenience store. Within minutes they take whatever they want and leave. The same thing has been happening in Chicago along the Magnificent Mile. Sources said Filene’s Basement, The North Face store and Express have all been recent targets by these flash mobs.
“Just see kids, random kids running out of stores,” said witness Miralem Mahmatovic.
Mahmatovic said it’s been obvious the teens seen running, have had merchandise with them. He said he has seen a teen theft mob in action. “We had a cop from Express chase down a kid here once, just chased her, caught her down at the corner, so we’ve seen it a couple of times.”
At Express, sources said 11 teens stormed through the doors knocking over merchandise and alarming customers. Security tried to lock the doors and when police caught the teens, they also had merchandise with them from other stores.
Greater North Michigan Avenue Association President and CEO John Chikow said he organized a meeting Tuesday with law enforcement and representatives from about 70 stores along the Mag Mile. “The police gave a briefing as to what their current activities are. I think there’s a stronger commitment on the part of the businesses to call when there are problems because they’re seeing the police are responding very quickly,” Chikow said.
At Filene’s, teens ran onto the sales floor, grabbed items then ran out. At The North Face, they entered screaming and yelling, knocking over displays and grabbing clothes worth close to $3,000.
“We’re not gonna tolerate this in the district. We’re just not gonna tolerate it,” Chikow said.
Police have increased patrols and are also focusing in on areas identified as teen meeting points. The moment a large group is seen gathering in a known area, the teens are told they will be arrested for loitering and will be arrested if they don’t leave immediately.
The teens involved in the recent theft mob incidents have been charged with retail theft and reckless conduct. The North Face, Filene’s and Express, all had no comment.
Normally, I oppose police brutality.
However, it would be a shame if one of these youts fell while resisting.
Given the level of honor and respect from our nation’s public school teachers why is anyone surprised at this behaviour.
Add to the mix technology that helps a band of thieves move as an organized pack and there is nothing to prevent this wildfire from spreading.
In fact, when one considers that the President of the United States (the idol to these punks) is essentially saying this kind of behavior is OK, a poor kid would have to be stupid NOT to take what is rightly his.
Not helping yourself to the finer things in life would be unpatriotic in Obamaland.
I believe they call it, “social justice.”
Next, some citizen will tackle one of these thieves and get charged with assault.....
Problem solvers BUMP!
(Be prepared BUMP!)
Bad idea. While there is much chance of them getting shot by a homeowner in Chicago, in other areas it could get messy.
It is a bad idea, and when they realize guns are in homes, they will bring guns with them.
It's their patriotic duty!
What can you expect from people who have been so down trodden all their lives.
The Government checks are not coming fast enough. If these kids were treated fairly all of them should have gotten a check from the Pigford settlment.
These kids who cannot pass a test in school can read a twitter and plan an attck on a business easily enough.
They may not graduate from High school, but a good percentage will work their way up in the Dope business.
One of these idiots getting double tapped will end this foolishness....
Nothing that the judicious use of a 45 auto couldn’t resolve. After a few dozen “youths” get themselves killed, the rest will seek safer activities.
It’s always fun and games until someone loses an eye!
The efficiency of individual initiative. Why depend on the government to redistribute the wealth? Cut out the middle man. They are to be commended. Following the example of folks in D.C. and all state capitals.
Democracy in action in its purest form. Now how many here still believe in that? The Founding Fathers hated it for this very reason that we see today.
The process of converting our country from a representative republic to a Leftist democracy has been an on-going process for about 100 years.
Wonder what they think of these underpriviledged yutes lowering their margins, and thus, their bonuses?
And FWIW, I'd be a little dubious of the article's claim of $3000 in TNF merch stolen. That's not much, $200-400 and up jackets add up fast.
Flash Mobs = trainees for the forthcoming Obama Brown Shirt Brigades
Looks like an average gathering of Democrat voters.
Distinguished Graduates of AmeriCorps...
Well why shouldn’t they our society won’t do a damn thing to those knuckle heads. The perp is now the victim.
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