Smash-and-grab robberies: 14 arrested in 11 incidents, all released on CA's zero-bail
LOS ANGELES - A series of smash-and-grab robberies in Los Angeles has resulted in the arrest of 14 people.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore and Mayor Eric Garcetti held a press conference Thursday evening to announce the arrests.
According to Moore, between November 18 and November 28, there were 11 smash-and-grab robberies reported throughout the city.
Of those 11 incidents, 14 people have so far been arrested. However, all 14 suspects have since been released and are back out on the streets due to California’s zero-bail policy, Moore stated.
"All the suspects taken into custody are out of custody, either as a result of one juvenile, or the others as a result of bailing out or zero-bail criteria," Chief Moore said.
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Six of the 11 incidents occurred in the western portion of the city. Four occurred in the San Fernando Valley and one occurred in the South Bureau.
According to Moore, in total, $338,000 worth of property was stolen during the incidents and more than $40,000 worth of property damage was caused. It was not immediately known if any of the robberies were connected to one another.
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Suspects, working in large groups, often target high-end retail stores, stealing expensive clothes, jewelry, handbags and other items.
Chief Moore said the stolen items are often found with their original tags. He said the items are taken to swap meets or sold to vendors who are willing to buy them at a discounted rate and sell it back in a grey-market scenario.
He is urging the public to stay vigilant and avoid buying items in the black market and to not feed into the individual that commits the crimes.
"The chain of responsibility extends all the way to the buyer who is willing to pay a discounted rate to get a deal but recognizes that the deal is coming at a cost that could be a human life," Moore added.
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Garcetti said that the resources committed to catching the suspects in the string of robberies are intended to keep the public safe during the holiday season.
"We want you to support your local businesses, especially after COVID-19," Garcetti said. "We want you to be out there shopping and knowing you can do that safely.
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