Chinanews.com, November 25th. Dozens of thieves were dispatched at night, looting the store in just a few minutes, and then quickly jumped into the car and fled...
Recently, a wave of crimes of beating, smashing, looting and robbery has swept across many parts of the United States, especially some department stores and luxury stores have suffered one after another, and the holiday shopping season is coming.
According to a report from Dagong.com, crime research experts said that most of these robberies were committed by criminal groups recruiting large numbers of young people. They were so-called "flash" robberies that were deployed and divided.
Some analysts also claim that there is a possibility of imitating crimes.
Why are robberies happening frequently in the United States recently, and why are the criminals so arrogant?
Data map: Surveillance video shows that dozens of people rushed into the Well Springs Pharmacy in California to grab medicines.
Image source: Screenshot of Well Springs Pharmacy Surveillance
"Crazy" like the plot of a movie! Frequent robberies in the U.S.
According to reports, at least 14 robbers broke into an LV store in Oak Creek, Illinois, in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, and stole at least $100,000 worth of goods.
In addition, from the 19th to the 22nd, robberies occurred in many places in California for four consecutive days, and no one was spared from shopping malls, luxury stores to pharmacies.
Among them, a Nordstrom department store in downtown Walnut Creek, California, was looted by about 80 masked thieves on the evening of the 20th.
They threatened customers, attacked staff, loaded a large number of looted goods on about 25 vehicles waiting outside and fled quickly. The whole process took less than a minute.
Witnesses described this "movie plot"-like scene as "simply crazy."
A few days ago, a department store in California was ransacked by about 80 masked thieves.
At that time, about 25 cars blocked the street.
After committing the crime, the robber quickly left by car.
Image source: screenshots from social media.
"Flash" robbery, or imitation crime?
The Associated Press quoted Dugan, chairman of the "Law Enforcement and Retail Coalition", as saying that these robberies took place, "not for survival or for a meal, but for targeting high-end products and then reselling them for a fortune." , Sometimes just simply seeking excitement."
According to Dugan, "pop-up" robberies are usually organized by locals who recruit young guys and send them to rob specific goods requested by criminal organizations.
It is reported that each person can be allocated between US$500 and US$1,000 per action.
The gang leader gave them sticks and other tools, and even rented a car to escape.
These young men have a list, grab as many specific products as possible, and then sell them online by the boss.
"It looks very messy, but it's actually tightly organized."
This type of "flash" robbery used to occur in suburban shopping malls, but since the "black life is also a fate" demonstration in 2020, their targets have turned to shops in the city or even the city center because they can take advantage of the chaos and it is difficult to prevent .
Levenberg, an expert in shopping mall security, also said that in some cases, the thief may also be a person who imitates a crime, rather than a person who cooperates with a criminal group.
They may be thinking: "Did you see what happened in San Francisco? Let's do the same!"
Data map: The picture shows the police in Walnut Creek, California, released a message saying they learned that organized robbery might occur, reminding businesses and residents to prepare.
The police are calling in more officers and reserve teams, and suggest that some stores consider closing their doors early or taking other preventive measures.
Image source: screenshots from social media.
Analysis: Why is the robber so "lawless"?
Recently, after a series of robberies occurred, some local police would remind shops to "close early" to ensure safety, which caused local residents to feel quite worried.
Some people believe that this "lawlessness" phenomenon is related to California Proposal No. 47 passed in 2014.
According to reports, the proposal raises the threshold for felony theft from US$500 to US$950.
For low-level criminals, to some extent, the benefits of crime far outweigh the risks; even if the thief is arrested, he will be released soon.
Dugan also claimed that retailers lose approximately $65 billion annually due to organized theft.
Large amounts of stolen goods are peddled on online retail platforms.
Since most of the lost items do not have serial numbers, this makes it almost impossible for law enforcement agencies to track their flow.
From the perspective of law enforcement agencies, online retail platforms have insufficiently reviewed its large number of sellers, and it is also difficult to obtain information on potential illegal sellers from relevant platforms.
Flea markets, pawn shops and street vendors have also become channels for stolen goods.
Some stolen goods were sold after a substantial price reduction, which meant that there was no shortage of buyers.
In addition, Eliadis, a former US law enforcement official and founder of the security company "Intelligence Information Partners," also said that most criminals wear masks or face masks when they steal, and it is difficult to be recognized even if they are photographed by a camera.
Moreover, due to the lack of resources of law enforcement agencies, cases such as theft are sometimes put on hold.
Eliadis also said that the US society’s attacks on the police have weakened the morale of some police officers.
"The prison is already so crowded, the police do not have the political will to prosecute criminals, and prosecutors will not care about such cases."