Smash-and-Grab at Topanga Westfield Mall
A group of masked men carried out a smash-and-grab at the Topanga Westfield mall on Friday night, October 4th, authorities said.
Details of the Incident
At around 5:15 p.m., 15-20 masked men rushed into Nordstrom and stole several luxury items, LAPD’s Lieutenant Zuniga said. Police could not provide the dollar amount of merchandise taken.
Video taken by a customer showed a group at the Valentino display in Nordstrom, grabbing pricey handbags, Fox11 reported.
Escape and Investigation
The suspects fled the scene in three vehicles, Lt. Zuniga said.
Details about the suspects or their vehicles were not immediately known.
Similar Incident in August
A similar smash-and-grab occurred at the store on August 12, 2023, perpetrated by at least 30 masked suspects who smashed display cases and grabbed merchandise before fleeing.
Call for Information
Anyone with information regarding either crime is asked to call the LAPD’s Topanga station at 818-756-4800 or, during non-business hours and weekends, 877-527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
Recent Efforts to Combat Retail Crime
In August, Governor Gavin Newsom signed 10 bills designed to discourage retail crime. The package includes stricter penalties for repeat shoplifting offenders, for arson with intent to commit retail theft and for possessing items stolen from a vehicle.
The package also makes permanent the California Highway Patrol’s property crimes task force and requires online marketplaces to better monitor if listed merchandise is stolen.
Conclusion
The recent smash-and-grab incidents at the Topanga Westfield mall highlight the need for continued efforts to combat retail crime. The recent legislation signed by Governor Newsom aims to deter repeat offenders and make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen goods online.
FAQs
Q: How many suspects were involved in the smash-and-grab?
A: 15-20 masked men were involved in the incident.
Q: What time did the incident occur?
A: The incident occurred at around 5:15 p.m. on Friday, October 4th.
Q: What was stolen during the incident?
A: Several luxury items were stolen from Nordstrom, including pricey handbags.
Q: Are there any suspects in custody?
A: No, there are no suspects in custody at this time.
Q: How can I report information about the incident?
A: Anyone with information regarding the incident can call the LAPD’s Topanga station at 818-756-4800 or, during non-business hours and weekends, 877-527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
