A group of 30 to 50 individuals armed with bear spray targeted the Nordstrom store at the Westfield Topanga Mall in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. The incident occurred on Saturday, resulting in the theft of approximately $100,000 worth of luxury items, including high-end clothing and handbags. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that the suspects used bear spray to neutralize two security guards during the robbery.
The LAPD received a call regarding numerous persons shoplifting at around 4 p.m. The estimated loss from the incident ranges between $60,000 to $100,000. The suspects fled the scene in vehicles, including a BMW. No immediate arrests have been made, but the LAPD stated they have several investigative leads.
Videos circulating on social media show individuals wearing hoods and masks tearing down shelves and leaving the store with stolen luxury goods. The aftermath of the robbery revealed broken glass and shelves on the ground.
In a statement, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the robbery as “absolutely unacceptable” and emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable. The LAPD is committed to finding the perpetrators and preventing similar attacks on retailers in the future.
A similar mob-style robbery occurred at a Yves Saint Laurent store in Glendale’s Americana at Brand on Tuesday. According to NBC Los Angeles, the estimated loss from that incident was $300,000.
