Police release California smash and grab suspect to hospital as city fights theft.
Los Angeles Scrambles to Curb Rampant Retail Theft Amidst Recent Smash-and-Grab Robberies
Amidst the chaos of rampant retail theft in the Los Angeles area, the Glendale Police Department has released an alleged robber to a local hospital. Ivan Isaac Ramirez, who was arrested earlier in the day for his involvement in a smash-and-grab robbery at the Americana shopping mall, has been granted release to address his “health issues.”
The incident at the Americana shopping mall involved a group of 30 to 40 thieves who brazenly robbed a Yves Saint Laurent store in broad daylight, making off with approximately $300,000 worth of merchandise. The shocking footage captured the moment as the thieves, dressed in dark clothes, hoods, and masks, stormed the store and swiftly escaped with their arms full of expensive items.
Charged with organized retail theft, burglary, grand theft, and conspiracy, Ramirez, 23, is scheduled to appear in court on September 15.
This incident follows another brazen theft on August 12, where a mob of nearly 50 individuals, donning hoodies and masks, stole up to $100,000 worth of luxury merchandise from a Nordstrom store in Los Angeles. The thieves even resorted to attacking security guards with bear mace.
Addressing the Rise in Shoplifting
With the surge in shoplifting incidents, Los Angeles and Glendale are now scrambling to find solutions. The city has witnessed a rise in organized retail theft, including the recent smash-and-grabs.
In response to these alarming trends, Los Angeles launched the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force, a collaborative effort between Mayor Karen Bass, the LAPD, and other law enforcement agencies. The task force aims to combat the increase in retail theft, particularly the organized smash-and-grab robberies involving large groups of thieves.
Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “What we’ve seen over just the past week in the City of Los Angeles and in surrounding regions is unacceptable, which is why today we are here announcing action.”
According to police data, while most types of violent crime have decreased in Los Angeles, theft has risen by 15%, with over 20,409 thefts reported compared to the same period last year. Additionally, since the fall of 2021, Los Angeles County has experienced at least 170 organized retail thefts, including the smash-and-grab trend, as reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
Furthermore, critics argue that the thieves feel emboldened by California’s progressive prosecutors, who often fail to impose significant criminal consequences on shoplifters. Policies like “zero bail” have been implemented instead, allowing offenders to be released without facing appropriate punishment.
Progressive Los Angeles district attorney George Gascon initially implemented the “zero bail” policy for all but the most dangerous criminals. Although he temporarily revoked the policy due to a potential recall, it was reinstated earlier this year by a judge.
Not only has retail theft surged, but the Los Angeles area has also witnessed a string of other crimes this summer. Some suspects remain at large or have been released back onto the streets. For instance, a repeat offender known as the Barnes & Noble “sniffer” was released again this month, despite a lengthy rap sheet of sex offenses. Additionally, there have been robberies at taco stands, a homeless man running over a 66-year-old, and a deadly shooting during a street takeover that claimed two lives. Multiple “street takeovers” have occurred in Los Angeles, with crowds of spectators witnessing dangerous stunts performed by up to 150 individuals.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...