In videos circulating on social media, a group of roughly 30-40 individuals could be seen robbing the Yves Saint Laurent store at the Americana at Brand Mall in Glendale, California on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Per Deadline, the large group of individuals robbed the store in broad daylight and made off with an estimated $300,000 in YSL merchandise. According to authorities, the individuals involved—who sported masks and hooded sweatshirts in an attempt to conceal their identities—escaped in as many as 20 vehicles moments after fleeing the store.
One of the thieves was briefly stopped by someone, but they were reportedly told it was "not worth" it because the individual was already jumping into a moving getaway vehicle.
“Our community is very protective of this city, and we understand that, but we have to be protective of them,” Sgt. Victor Jackson told KTLA. “We don’t want them to intervene in something like this. This is ultimately a property crime that we’re not going to stand for, but we want them to be safe.”
The Glendale Police Department is investigating the robbery, which can be seen in a video recorded by a bystander above.
"This type of criminal activity will not be tolerated in Glendale," said Chief Manny Cid. "The Glendale Police Department will pursue all leads and utilize every available resource to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice. Expect an elevated police presence in and around the downtown Glendale corridor. Our commitment to the safety of the residents, businesses, and visitors to Glendale is unwavering and our top priority. Our city remains strong and united against lawlessness and criminal activity threatening our safety and well-being.”
Caruso, the company that owns the Americana Mall, is offering $50,000 to anyone who can help track down those responsible.
“At Caruso, we stand firm in our commitment to the security of our guests, tenants, residents and employees,” a Caruso spokesperson said. "Our company’s top priority is to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment across all of our properties, and we will not tolerate any criminal activity. We are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators who committed the theft of Saint Laurent at The Americana at Brand on Aug. 8, 2023."
