In a series of “flash mob” thefts, a group of suspects targeted a Gucci store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. On Wednesday night, the suspects managed to make off with an impressive $100,000 worth of high-end handbags before escaping to waiting vehicles outside.

According to Costa Mesa Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jose Morales, officers responded promptly to the scene after being dispatched to the retail complex located at 3333 Bristol St. Witnesses recounted seeing between five to 10 individuals, all dressed in hooded sweatshirts and masks, entering the store. The suspects quickly selected numerous bags and fled on foot towards an exit where multiple getaway vehicles were positioned.

The operation was executed without any use of weapons, and no injuries were reported. The Gucci store was operating from a temporary location near Bloomingdale’s due to ongoing construction at its permanent site. This temporary location was conveniently situated near an exit leading out to a parking garage, facilitating the quick escape of the thieves.

City News service reported that this event follows a string of similar “flash mob” robberies in Southland retail centers, with losses from previous incidents amounting to $300,000 each. To address this rising trend of organized retail crimes, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the creation of an interagency Organized Retail Crimes Task Force in a press conference. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley also expressed her intention to collaborate with law enforcement to combat this pattern of commercial burglaries.

If you have any information regarding this recent incident, Costa Mesa Police urge you to contact CMPD Det. Matt Richie at (714) 754-5120. The investigation is ongoing.