Eleven arrested in connection with recent spree of 'smash-and-grab' robberies in Los Angeles area

Eleven people have been arrested in a series of so-called “flash mob” or “smash-and-grab” robberies in Southern California, authorities said Thursday.

A multi-agency task force was formed Monday to find and arrest suspects, according to local TV station Fox 11. 

“The city of Los Angeles and neighboring cities have recently experienced an increase in `flash-mob’ method retail crime incidents conducted by multiple suspects targeting retail establishments throughout the Los Angeles region,” the LAPD said.

One of such crime occurred earlier this month when roughly 30 people rushed a Nordstrom inside Westfield Topanga Mall, in Canoga Park, California. They used bear spray on security guards who tried stop them from taking clothes, designer handbags and other items.