Over the last two weeks, Los Angeles has experienced three instances of gang robberies, fueling concerns about this type of criminal activity. These robberies involve groups storming stores and making off with various items, often including luxury goods.
On August 9, a cohort of more than 30 robbers raided the Yves Saint Laurent store on the ground level of the Glendale Americana mall, a popular shopping destination among Korean Americans. They managed to make off with over $300,000 worth of merchandise. In the preceding week, on July 31, a group of nine robbers targeted a Gucci store at Westfield in Century City during broad daylight, escaping with a substantial haul of items.
Furthermore, on August 12, approximately 50 robbers descended upon a Nordstrom store within the Westfield mall in Topanga. Masked and clad in black hoodies, they burst into the store, snatched up to $100,000 worth of bags and clothing, and swiftly fled. Videos capturing the chaotic event spread rapidly on social media.
In response to the incident, the Valley Division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has bolstered security at local malls and vowed to “apprehend the suspects.” However, public sentiment appears less than impressed, with critics likening the response to “shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted.”
“This has become a recurring pattern and will likely continue to be so,” a resident remarked on X (formerly Twitter), adding a touch of sarcasm, “At least in LA, you can purchase self-defense products online and carry them.”
The day following the Topanga shoplifting incident, three African American men entered an East L.A. Nike store, promptly filling a black garbage bag with merchandise, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings. The stolen goods were estimated to be worth around $1,000.
This recent spate of incidents has prompted calls for Gascón’s resignation, with critics asserting that his lenient approach within the justice system is perpetuating a cycle of crime.
Even Democrats who initially supported Gascón are now shifting their stance, as reported by the New York Post on August 10. Gascón’s former allies argue that he should step down due to his policies transforming Los Angeles into a “zombie town,” where criminals no longer dread the consequences of their actions.
Considering Gascón’s narrow survival of a second recall attempt, largely thanks to the unwavering backing of Democrats such as supermarket magnate Ronald Burkle and real estate mogul Jordan Kaplan, the withdrawal of their support carries significant weight.
“I cast my vote for Gascón believing in his intelligence and his commitment to enact the reforms he promised. However, since taking office, I can’t even walk down my own street anymore,” revealed an ex-supporter who opted for anonymity. This individual highlighted that “criminals are well aware they won’t face prosecution.” Some critics underscored Gascón’s role in the rise of crime by endorsing Proposition 47, approved in 2014.
“Gascón refuses to pursue misdemeanor cases and remains passive on issues involving the homeless and drug addicts,” criticized L.A. County District Attorney John Lewin. “Through Proposition 47, he essentially decriminalized theft. The area surrounding the Civic Center now resembles a ‘zombie town’.”
BY SUAH JANG [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
