Stafford, Va. – In July, two men and two women walked into a Victoria’s Secret store in Washington’s Georgetown neighborhood, scooped up lingerie and then walked out. It’s called a flash mob robbery, and there have been several of them in Washington, D.C. this year.
Now, Stafford County authorities have launched a new initiative to stop flash mob robberies before they ever begin in that county.
“Flash Mobs bent on committing lawless acts have the potential to put the citizens of Stafford County in danger,” stated Sheriff Charles E. Jett in a press release. “Working together all of us can make sure that these types of crimes are stopped before they ever happen.”
Though a flash mob robbery has never happened in Stafford County, detectives will take what they say are proactive measures and monitor where flash mobs are known to originate – right here on the web through social media websites. Authorities have asked anyone who is sent a message about forming or being a part of a flash mob robbery to call Stafford County Crime Solvers at 540-659-2020, or text a tip to 274637, make sure to text “Stafford” and then your tip, police say.
Sheriff’s deputies will also keep a watchful eye on public gatherings in hopes to deter flash mob robberies, but say they won’t target those who are abiding by the law.
“The intent of the sheriff’s office is not to disrupt a lawful gathering for a lawful purpose. The intent is to ensure that those gathering for a lawful and fun purpose may do so without the hindrance of those who may be there to cause a disruption,” said Jett.
