Flash Mob People Large Group Store Quickly Robberies

"Flash mobs" are a form of entertainment and social expression. A group of people who are dressed normally and acting normally in a public area suddenly "come together" (cooperate; work together) to do something unexpected, such as having a "giant" (very large) "pillow fight" (when people playfully hit each other with pillows), sing a song, perform a "skit" (a short play). Flash mobs are usually fun and enjoyable, or at least interesting and "satirical" (using sarcasm to make a point about something).

But some flash mobs are much "darker" (more evil; not good). "Flash mob robberies," also known as "flash robs," are instances of "mass" (with a large group of people participating) theft. In a "typical" (common) flash mob robbery, a large number of people enter a store at the same time and quickly begin "stealing" (taking without permission) goods. "Whereas" (while) store employees are usually "prepared" (having the necessary knowledge and equipment) to deal with one or two "shoplifters" (people who steal things from stores), they are quickly "overwhelmed" (unable to deal with something because it is too big or challenging) by the large group of shoplifters. The thieves leave the store with their "loot" (items that have been stolen) very quickly, before the police can arrive.

Flash mob robberies most often happen in large cities. In many cases, the participants are "strangers" (people who do not know each other) and the instances of mass theft are organized via "social media" (interactive communication sites like Facebook or Twitter). The flash mobs are often caught on "surveillance tapes" (recordings from security cameras "mounted" (hung on a wall in the stores), but because the crime happens so quickly it can be difficult for police to "apprehend" (arrest) the thieves.