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Parents turn kids in for flash mob robberies
After the LAPD asked for help identifying some of the people responsible for multiple flash mob robberies over the last few months, several parents have turned their own kids over to police.
LOS ANGELES - In Hollywood, parents who made the difficult decision to turn their children over to the LAPD after discovering their involvement in a series of disruptive flash mob robberies at multiple 7-Eleven stores are receiving widespread praise. Tiffany Brown, a local resident, expressed her support for the parents' actions.
"They did the right thing because if you don’t stop them young, they could go pretty far with it," she said.
At Tuesday’s LAPD Commission meeting, Assistant Chief Blake Chow confirmed that several parents surrendered their teens to police stations on Sept 26, 28, and 29 in connection with the flash mob robberies.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Flash mobs target 7-Eleven stores across LA, police trying to crack down
"On September 29th, another parent turned their child in, and that juvenile was also booked for robbery," said Assistant Chief Chow.
Erica, a community member, echoed the sentiment: "The parents totally did the right thing by turning their kids in. You’ve got to teach them young about what’s right and what’s wrong."
Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. David Swanson suggested that these parents likely acted out of desperation, knowing they had lost control of their kids.
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Flash mobs target LA 7-Eleven stores
More than a dozen 7-Eleven stores have been trashed by flash mobs since July. Police have not made any arrests.
"When your kids are riding bikes, running into stores, stealing stuff, it's clear you don’t have a handle on the situation," Swanson said. "These parents may fear that if this behavior continues, it could escalate into more serious crimes, leading to prison time."
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Multiple Hollywood 7-Eleven stores robbed, thieves flee on bikes
Assistant Chief Chow also noted that many of the juveniles involved were not from the neighborhoods where the crimes took place.
The LAPD continues to ask for public assistance in identifying other teens involved.
"Even if you’re young and think this is something fun to do with friends, it’s wrong," Erica said. "It’s better that parents reinforce that at home, where you first learn what's right and wrong."
The teens were released back into their parents' custody. Dr. Swanson added that as minors, their records would be sealed when they reach adulthood. He agrees it’s better to address the issue now before it escalates.