Parents turn in children after police release photos from flash mob robberies, LAPD says

California parents turned their children in after the Los Angeles Police Department asked for the public’s help finding juveniles who partook in multiple flash mob robberies at 7-Eleven stores and fled on bicycles.

An officer from the LAPD confirmed to USA TODAY that some of the people involved were turned in by their parents.

Since July, the group of juveniles have targeted 14 stores, police said in a news release on Sept. 25. Calling them “flash robberies,” authorities said 20 to 40 suspects were involved and most often, they fled on bicycles.

The 14 robberies ranged from mid-July to September and some stores were hit more than once. Stores were typically close to each other in Rampart, Hollywood, Wilshire and West LA and most of the robberies happened on Friday evenings, authorities said.

Police say the group committed the 14 robberies on the following days: July 12, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, Aug. 16, and Sept. 20.

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Teens rode bikes to store robberies, police say

Authorities said the suspects showed up to the stores on bicycles during the evenings, usually Fridays, then walked in, took items, damaged property, and left without paying for anything.

“The suspects are described as youthful males, possibly teens varying in ethnicity and physical descriptors,” police wrote on Sept. 25.

Witnesses said the suspects pushed them, although no one reported injuries, police said. 

“Several witnesses continue to fear for their safety after such aggressive and callous criminal behavior,” police added.

Police released more than 100 images of suspects to get tips

LAPD released more than 100 photos from the incidents last week. 

Assistant Chief Blake Chow said the photos prompted at least three parents to reach out once they recognized their children, reported television station KNBC. The teens were released but prosecutors are reviewing evidence, the outlet reported.

LAPD said the agency has set in place extra patrol efforts to prevent future flash mob robberies. 

Authorities ask that anyone with information call 1-877-527-3247 or the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Tipsters can also go to www.lacrimestoppers.org or send evidence to [email protected].

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].