Crime & Safety

Flash Mob: Coming to a Town Near You?

Patch spoke with Montgomery County Police Officer Michael Prather about flash mobs.

Flash mobs seem to have transitioned from peaceful assemblies where people gather for artistic expression, entertainment or protest to gatherings infused with violence, even crime.

In Philadelphia, the recent swell in violent flash mobs has prompted Mayor Michael A. Nutter to step up enforcement of the existing curfew, threatening to fine offenders and their parents if it's violated. Nutter also delivered a thoughful, yet fiery address from the pulpit—a challenge to parents to "get it together."

But that's Philadelphia, right? The City of Brotherly Love has seen its share of tension and violence, yet it's also a city steeped in history and financial success—home to hardworking professionals and families.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sounds a bit like the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where kids hang out at the mall, play ball at the neighborhood basketball court and on occasion make choices that are not in their best interest.

By now you may have heard about the . The store's suvelliance camera caught about three dozen youth as they walked in and grabbed candy, sodas, ice cream and other items, and then walked out of the store, reports NBC Washington.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Montgomery County Police have identified several of the suspects involved in this incident, according to a police media release. Several of the subjects involved covered their faces with various items of clothing, police said.

"They took a positive thing and turned into a negative and a wrong thing to do," said 1st District Community Services Officer Michael Prather. "A total disregard for the law and public safety."

Prather said the act was premeditated (flash mobs are organized using social media tools and viral e-mails), and that the purpose was to commit a crime—shoplifting.

"I wouldn't even call it a flash mob—it's a flash crime," he said. "I wouldn't give them the recognition of calling it a flash mob."

In the event you find yourself in a flash mob, Prather said to call 911 so that police can respond as quickly as possible. Providing a vehicle description and license tag number are also important, he said.

Prather encourages parents and guardians to talk to their teenagers. He said it's important to have an idea of where your child is, what they're doing and to be advised of their anticipated time of return.

"Teach them the difference between right and wrong—being the person who's going to stand up and do the right thing."

Police are seeking additional assistance from the public and ask that anyone who recognizes any of the suspects in the video to contact the 5th District Investigative Section at 240-773-6200. Callers may remain anonymous.


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