Security camera footage from a 7-Eleven store that was targeted was released by police, with clear images of many of the suspects. (photo courtesy of the LAPD)

The Los Angeles Police Department has widened its investigation into a series of flash mob-style takeovers at 7-Eleven stores in different parts of the city. Investigators have released security camera footage and are asking members of the public to provide information about the suspects, who are believed to be responsible for 14 takeovers at 7-Eleven stores since July 12.

During separate incidents on Aug. 9 and Sept. 20, a group of approximately 50 young people riding bicycles unexpectedly showed up at a 7-Eleven store at 8500 Olympic Blvd. and rushed inside, swarming employees and stealing food, drinks and merchandise, police said. On July 19, the group targeted four 7-Eleven stores in a single evening at 1770 N. Highland Ave. and 6077 W. Third St., as well 610 S. Rampart Blvd. and 3100 Beverly Blvd. The group struck on different days at 7-Eleven stores at 1770 N. Highland Ave. and 1234 Wilshire Blvd. Additional flash mob-style takeovers attributed to the group occurred at 7-Eleven stores at 5600 San Vicente Blvd., 7040 W. Sunset Blvd., 5700 Santa Monica Blvd. and 1451 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Police believe the crimes are being committed by the same group of young people, including many teens, who coordinate on social media and use bicycles to quickly arrive at and depart from the scenes. During the Sept. 20 incident, officers arrested one juvenile suspect, who was later released to his parents.

Lt. Mark Ro, with the Wilshire Division, said it is difficult for officers to address the problem because it happens sporadically. Patrol officers are watching for the group of suspects on bicycles, and police are using cameras to identify the perpetrators. Ro also believes the suspects are emboldened because they think authorities will not arrest and prosecute them for crimes like thefts. Now considered a crime spree affecting multiple areas of the city, the flash mob takeovers are being investigated by the LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division, which has stepped up efforts to locate and arrest the suspects.

“It’s like the street takeovers. They happen so fast that it’s challenging to address them, but there are things we can do and are doing,” Ro said. “The airship has been successful in helping us follow suspects. We are using video footage to identify them. There are things we are doing that I can’t divulge. Let me just say, we are taking it very seriously.”

The LAPD has posted video from a takeover at the store at 8500 Olympic Blvd. at youtube.com/watch?v=-PqNws2Utm4. Anyone with information is urged to call the Commercial Crimes Division at (213)486-5920 or the LAPD’s hotline at (877)LAPD247, or email tips or videos to ORC@lapd.online.