The 7-Eleven store at 6077 W. Third St. was targeted on July 19. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Police have released new details about a series of flash mob takeovers at 7-Eleven stores involving approximately 50 young people on bicycles who arrive spontaneously, swarm inside stores and steal food and merchandise.

The group has ransacked and vandalized the convenience stores, overwhelming employees and causing more than $30,000 in damage, authorities said. Four juveniles have been arrested for robbery for allegedly participating in the crimes after being turned in by their parents. Authorities are encouraging other suspects to turn themselves in and parents to come forward with information.

“They should not be under the impression that this is no big deal. This is a robbery,” said Detective Samuel Arnold, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force. “When you go into a store and are working in concert with 30 to 40 other people, you are equally responsible for the outcome. I don’t care if you only take two bags of chips and a soda, you are part of a robbery.”

The LAPD is investigating 14 flash mob takeovers they believe were committed by the same group at 7-Eleven stores since July 12, including two separate incidents at a store at 8500 Olympic Blvd. on Aug. 9 and Sept. 20. Four 7-Eleven stores were targeted by the group on July 19 at 1770 N. Highland Ave., 6077 W. Third St., 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.

Investigators believe the group is organizing on social media and planning rides in different parts of the city. Arnold said members use public transportation to get around Los Angeles. He declined to state where they are from, including the people who were turned in and arrested, only stating that they reside in Los Angeles County.

“They are not from the area where the stores are themselves. Los Angeles has made leaps and bounds with public transportation, and it allows individuals to come from other areas,” Arnold said. “They are organized in the sense that they organize a meet-up and go on a ride. Of the 14 occurrences, 13 were on Friday nights. We believe they are going so far as to use a tool to monitor what police are doing.”

Authorities are using a variety of tools to identify the perpetrators, including security camera footage, facial recognition software and witness accounts. Arnold warned about serious repercussions for those involved in the crimes.

“We are using a variety of different investigative methods. We will go to them and arrest them wherever they are,” Arnold said.

The LAPD has posted video from a takeover at the store at 8500 Olympic Blvd. at youtube.com/watch?v=-PqNws2Utm4. Arnold encouraged people to email tips or videos to ORC@lapd.online, call (800)222-TIPS or visit lacrimestoppers.org.