A Nordstrom store in Los Angeles was the scene of a shocking robbery as a mob of up to 50 individuals stormed the luxury accessories section. The incident, which took place at the Westfield Topanga Mall, was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms. The perpetrators, clad in dark hoodies and face masks, were seen smashing display cases and grabbing high-end designer items, some of which still had electronic security tags attached.
One of the looters was even seen dragging a large metal display shelf behind him as he made his escape, a luxury leather bag still attached to it by a security tag. The group made a swift exit from the store, carrying as much merchandise as they could. According to an LAPD spokesperson, the thieves made off with thousands of dollars worth of luxury handbags and designer clothing.
The mob descended on the store around 4pm on Saturday, scooping up armfuls of items and leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. Amid the shattered glass and overturned mannequins, some items were inadvertently dropped. The luxury Italian fashion brand Bottega Veneta, known for its signature woven leather handbags, appeared to be a particular target. Investigators estimate that the group stole between $60,000 and $100,000 worth of merchandise.
The criminals used bear spray, a potent deterrent containing capsaicin and other ingredients that can inflame the eyes and upper respiratory system, to attack at least two security guards at the store. The extent of their injuries remains unclear. Despite the chaos, mall patrons were not evacuated, and it is currently unknown if anyone else was injured. No arrests have been made at this time, and police are searching for 30 to 50 suspects.
Witnesses reported seeing the looters escape in several vehicles, including Lexus and BMW cars. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded to the incident in a statement issued Saturday evening, condemning the act as “absolutely unacceptable” and assuring the public that the police will find those responsible.
This is not the first time the Nordstrom store at Westfield Topanga has been targeted. In November 2021, robbers attacked a security guard with bear spray and stole designer purses. The recent incident comes amid a spate of similar robberies in California, where thefts of objects valued at $950 or less are classified as misdemeanors. Critics argue that this classification, along with legislation passed in May that prevents employees from confronting active shooters or shoplifters, has emboldened criminals.