SpotCrime - The Public's Crime Map

Recently, there has been an increase in a violent trend with teenagers in rural areas - Flash Robs. Flash Robs are similar to Flash Mobs, except they are harmful and illegal.  In a typical Flash Rob, a group of teenagers enter a retail store and rob, assault and steal items from unsuspecting victims.  The less violent incidents involve stealing items from convenient stores.  The more harmful cases involve robberies and assaults against individuals. Below is a SpotCrime crime list of some recent Flash Robs that have made recent headlines.  Included are the flash robs in Philadelphia and DC.  Also included is the Flash Mob who robbed and beat victims in Milwaukee and Cleveland on the Fourth of July weekend. In Philadelphia, they have installed a curfew for teenagers to try to control the mobs.  Cleveland is working on something similar.  Is this a trend that you think will grow in the months to come or a simple fad that will fade away?  What actions do you think would help prevent

The term 'flash mob' was coined back in 2003 and has been used to describe a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place (normally a mall or food court) to sing or dance and then disperse suddenly. If you aren't familiar with the modern day  flash mob , I recommend a quick YouTube search or check out the video below. It can be pretty cool to get stuck in the middle of one. Recently and rather quickly, it appears the modern day flash mob has mutated into a 'flash rob' .  Flash robs occur when groups of 10 or more people suddenly begin terrorizing businesses, store employees and average Joe's and then disperse suddenly, before police can arrive.  These flash mobs are not very fun if you find yourself in the middle of one. Most of theses flash mobs have been targeting retail or convenient stores.  The mobs are able to make off with more loot in faster time than the normal criminal.  The mobs are normally done long before police can arrive. J