Teen bike mobs ransack 7-Elevens across Los Angeles this summer

In recent months, a series of thefts at 7-Eleven stores in Los Angeles has raised concerns among local law enforcement. The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that a group of 20 to 40 boys and young men on bicycles has been targeting these convenience stores, with 14 incidents recorded between July and September. Most of these thefts occurred on Friday evenings, indicating a pattern in the group's activities. The stolen items primarily include snacks such as chips and candy, rather than cash or more valuable goods. The thefts have been characterized as 'flash robberies,' where the group quickly enters the stores, grabs items, and exits before anyone can react. In one notable incident, a group of seven young men was captured on surveillance footage ransacking a store on Wilshire Boulevard. The police have noted that four of the ten targeted stores were hit multiple times, suggesting that the group is familiar with the locations and their layouts. Despite the frequency of these crimes, there have been no reported injuries, and the police have not provided estimates on the financial losses incurred by the stores. In response to the ongoing thefts, the LAPD is increasing patrols in the affected areas and is collaborating with various divisions to identify the suspects. The situation reflects a broader trend of criminal activity targeting convenience stores in the Los Angeles area, as evidenced by previous incidents involving organized thefts of lottery tickets. The police are hopeful that increased surveillance and community awareness will help curb these flash robberies in the future.