The parents of unruly teens have turned themselves in to police in connection with an alleged flash mob robbery of multiple convenience stores in the Los Angeles area, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
At least three parents have reportedly turned their children in to the police. The Los Angeles Times reported.
The series of robberies occurred over the summer, and surveillance footage shared by police shows a group of young men riding bicycles to the store, forcing their way into the store and wreaking havoc once inside.
“They did the right thing, because if you don't stop young, you can get quite far,” local resident Tiffany Brown said. FOX11 Los Angeles.
At Tuesday's Los Angeles Police Commission meeting, Deputy Chief Blake Chow said the teen's surrenders occurred on September 26, 28, and 29.
“On September 29, another parent handed over the child and the boy was also charged with robbery,” Chow said during the meeting.
The Los Angeles Police Department did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment, but the department said in a previous press release that the “bicycle crew” consisted of approximately 20 to 40 juveniles.
According to the statement, 13 of the 14 reported incidents occurred on Friday night.
“The suspects entered the store in the evening, removed merchandise, damaged property, and fled without paying,” the release states.
“In some incidents, during criminal store takeovers, witnesses were physically pushed aside by the suspects without regard for the safety of others. No physical injuries were reported, but several witnesses “People continue to fear for their safety following such aggressive and callous criminal activity.”
The 7-Eleven stores affected were in the Rampart, Hollywood, Wilshire and West Los Angeles areas, the newspaper said.
7-Eleven did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
“When your child is riding a bike, running into a store, or stealing things, it's obvious that you're not in control of the situation,” Dr. David Swanson, a licensed clinical psychologist, told FOX 11. Ta.
“These parents may be concerned that if this behavior continues, it could escalate to a more serious crime and potentially result in a prison sentence.”
