Authorities in California are investigating a string of incidents throughout the state known as flash mob thefts.
At the Beverly Center, the Los Angeles Police Department said several people walked into several stores, grabbed a bunch of merchandise, and ran out without paying.
At the Topanga Mall, police said a security guard at Nordstrom was sprayed with bear spray by a group of individuals who were attempting to burglarize the store.
According to local media reports, five suspects stole purses worth an estimated $25,000.
CBS News is reporting that police are also investigating an incident that occurred at Grove mall where an estimated 20 people took about $5,000 of merchandise from the Nordstrom store there.
Last week, 80 people ransacked a Nordstrom store in Walnut Creek.
Police said during that smash and grab robbery, two employees were assaulted, and one was pepper-sprayed.
