Mob robbery at Topanga Nordstrom sparks outrage, beefed-up LAPD patrols

Los Angeles police are stepping up enforcement at area malls after a weekend robbery at the Nordstrom at the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center made national headlines.

Los Angeles Police Department Cmdr. Gisselle Espinoza said Saturday’s flash mob acted violently and efforts are underway to find the robbers.

“We are interviewing people and trying to find leads and strategies to find out who these people are,” said Espinoza, who helps lead the LAPD Valley Bureau. “They are savages.”

She said the concern goes beyond retail theft because of the safety fears the robberies are causing shoppers.

“We are doing everything we can to make people feel safe,” she said.

An estimated 30 to 50 people participated in the brazen daytime robbery at the Topanga mall shortly after 4 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.