A group of 11 people took 36 handbags from the Louis Vuitton store at Stanford Shopping Center on Monday afternoon before fleeing in five awaiting vehicles, according to Palo Alto police.
Police estimated that the handbags grabbed in the coordinated heist are valued at more than $100,000, according to a news release from the Palo Alto Police Department. The suspects, who wore face coverings, didn't use any weapons or cause any injuries during the shoplift. They remain at large.
Officers learned about the heist through police dispatch, which received a call from a witness at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday, reporting that a large group had just shoplifted from the store. By the time officers arrived, the suspects had left in the vehicles, which were described as a Lexus sedan, a gray Infinity SUV, a white Audi sedan, a black four-door Hyundai sedan and a red two-door Honda sedan.
A witness took a photo of one of the shoplifters as she fled through the mall with the stolen handbags. The group was described as a group of Black males and females who may be in their late teens or early 20s.
Palo Alto police are working with regional partners to see if the same group of suspects may be connected to any similar burglary shoplifts in other cities, according to the news release. While comparable to a case that occurred in Palo Alto at Neiman Marcus on May 19, the vehicles used in that incident were different, police said.
Anyone with information about Monday's theft is asked to call the department's 24-hour dispatch center at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be emailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent by text message or voicemail to 650-383-8984. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the police's free mobile app, downloadable at bit.ly/PAPD-AppStore or bit.ly/PAPD-GooglePlay.
Comments
Registered user
Adobe-Meadow
on Jun 9, 2021 at 1:09 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 1:09 pm
Eh, property crime. The only way this could’ve gone bad is if police confronted the 11 rowdy youths and they refused to comply.... this town would be up in arms if any of the little darlings were hurt resisting arrest like that fine gentleman at Happy Donuts. Better to not to confront and just pay the “Danegeld.”
Registered user
Fairmeadow
on Jun 9, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Wait, you lost me at $100,000 for 36 bags. $2,800 per bag? Ouch!
Registered user
Crescent Park
on Jun 9, 2021 at 1:39 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 1:39 pm
[Post removed.]
Registered user
Midtown
on Jun 9, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 1:56 pm
As this occurs regularly, I am beginning to think the stores don’t mind these thefts. Maybe a certain % of theft is a benefit to a large international luxury goods retailer, like LVHM. Why are they lacking security after repeat thefts? I just walked into a CVS and was stunned to see Tampons, Deodorant, and Lotions under Lock and Key. These are $10.00 items. Something smells bad here. How can people run with all those Large bags (we know they are not itty bitty) from the store to their vehicles and nobody sees a thing ….every time.
Registered user
Green Acres
on Jun 9, 2021 at 2:28 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 2:28 pm
[Post removed.]
Registered user
University South
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:21 pm
This is terrible. It makes it bad for ordinary folks who just enjoy window shopping and end up buying similar but cheaper items at the Gap, Abercrombie, or Macy's.
I enjoy the open air mall in the summer and spring because it feels airy and pleasant. The downside is that it is prone to this unfortunate event.
Do enclosed malls suffer this same type of grab and run? Maybe it is time to build an aesthetically pleasing yet functional enclosure around the mall to deter people who think they can run for the exits in a getaway.
Registered user
Midtown
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Let's hope that these thieves are caught and publicly shamed. I just wish that such individuals -- even on parole or probation -- could be forced to wear orange jumpsuits for a few months (after conviction) that say in large letters, "WARNING: I AM A THIEF."
Registered user
Midtown
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:25 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:25 pm
Escaping from a shoplifting crime in an Audi, a Lexus, an Infinity....
Only in America, folks!
Registered user
Stanford
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:28 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:28 pm
No big deal as long as no one was hurt during the heist.
Those high-end handbags are easily replaceable as Nieman Marcus probably carries a hefty insurance policy to cover shoplifting and related thefts.
Besides, poor people like nice things too and the black market provides an opportunity to procure luxury goods well below MSRP.
Registered user
Community Center
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Knock off LV in NYC Chinatown just as good for < $100.
Registered user
East Palo Alto
on Jun 9, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 4:16 pm
I prefer Hermes. It's a cut above Louis Vuitton and separates the fancy label wannabes from the truly elite shoppers.
Registered user
Crescent Park
on Jun 9, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 4:55 pm
I love how my earlier post was deleted. LOL , Palo Alto Online the bastion of free speech..
Registered user
Crescent Park
on Jun 9, 2021 at 5:05 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 5:05 pm
I love how the liberal PAO deletes my post which is tough on crime but keeps up posts like like Mr. Laskey who offers apologies for crime. Well California, you've dug your own grave supporting policies like defund the police. Good luck! Happily I'm out of here
Registered user
Midtown
on Jun 9, 2021 at 5:44 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 5:44 pm
Thank you Chewy for pointing out the importance for increasing security at our beloved Stanford Mall. It would be traumatizing at the very least and possibly perilous to stroll upon this activity. If people are beginning to feel the mall is an unsafe environment, it could have a traumatizing local economic effect as we are re-opening all the stores soon.Covid is worrisome enough. People are now making choices more carefully to go where they feel safest. Are the individual stores responsible for their own security, or does the owner of the mall hold responsibility for security of The Stanford Mall? If thieves are running on mall property and harm comes to someone, who does that liability fall upon? I would like to know. Fact, theft inceases with each big economic shift. It is just a repetitive pattern of economic consequence and sadly nobody wants to change anything.
Registered user
another community
on Jun 9, 2021 at 6:35 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 6:35 pm
California used to be tough on crime, and soft on crime is making it worse. I've read fair on crime is the best approach, but no matter what we do -- there will always be thieves.
Public shaming is immature with a genuine mean streak.
Whatever these purses go for on the black market -- someone is getting a really good deal. They probably think it's a knockoff, unless they're foolish enough to go into full disclosure.
I hope they're caught.
Registered user
Crescent Park
on Jun 9, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 7:39 pm
[Post removed due to deletion of referenced comment.]
Registered user
Adobe-Meadow
on Jun 9, 2021 at 8:55 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 8:55 pm
I don't get this - how can this happen in a mall during the day and no one says any thing while it is going on? Or at least takes pictures of the perps. Why do we allow this and why does the store allow this? The mall has to set up some type of security system where there is a video camera and security people checking out the whole area. There should be security people out walking around and visible. I always thought that our area was so safe and now we see continual assaults on the general safety of the area.
Registered user
University South
on Jun 9, 2021 at 9:09 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 9:09 pm
In the past, when I have walked by LV, there was a guard standing prominently at the door.
Was he there at the time and if so, what did he do? Sounds like LV security has a problem.
Registered user
Midtown
on Jun 9, 2021 at 10:27 pm
Registered user
on Jun 9, 2021 at 10:27 pm
Well, criminals are going to commit crime. Not my children.
Downtown North
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 12:18 am
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 12:18 am
Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?
Registered user
Woodside
on Jun 10, 2021 at 8:26 am
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 8:26 am
"Smash and Grab" has become another viable form of robbery for those so inclined.
It is fast and does not require the use of a deadly weapon which can add years to a prison sentence if caught and convicted.
Non-violent grand larceny is a far safer route as the mandated county jail time is considerably shorter.
And just about any desirable target item falls within this realm of theft whether it be jewelry, luxury handbags, exclusive clothing lines, professional tools and even cars.
Registered user
Crescent Park
on Jun 10, 2021 at 11:09 am
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 11:09 am
I was at the mall when this heist happened. I saw five or six of them running with overflowing, armfuls of bags right past Barry's Bootcamp. They were scattering in all directions. It was so disturbing and scary. I didn't have my phone out so I couldn't take a photo but I'm sure the mall security cameras have plenty of footage. I think the police may have gotten two of them at the corner of El Camino and Quarry Road.
Registered user
another community
on Jun 10, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Sadly, many designer labels have been perpetuated by white consumers as symbols of material and economical success.
Essentially these items are made by white designers for an arrogant, weathy white customer base.
So it is a given that these high-end products are also appealing to countless and impoverished people of color who wish to improve their overall presentation to the outside world.
[Portion removed.]
Registered user
Midtown
on Jun 10, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Hey Shawonda...
Rather than ignoring this article or condemning shoplifters (stealing is wrong right, in all cultures?), you go on a silly tirade trying to blame White people?
High end products are appealing to people (not just people of “color”), the same reason why sports cars and big mansions are appealing to humans. Whether it’s our obsession with fancy toys, or vanity, people like nice shiny objects that also confer status. Btw... last time I check plenty of Black professional athletes are quite into designer products that have no real use. Rather than blaming some White people for designing overpriced leather cases... try to get some members in your community to reject materialism.
[Portion removed.]
This is coming from a Muslim man with brown complexion who has experienced a fair share of racism in America... ironically I’ve never experienced anything remotely racist from White Americans. [Portion removed.]
Registered user
East Palo Alto
on Jun 10, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Concurring Ismail...many people tend to create their own problems and blame others.
Rather than stealing designer handbags, (1) get a job or enlist in vocational training, (2) get an education, and (3) consider working & saving up for certain perceived luxury items.
BLM is not a symbolic right to drive a Mercedes or wear a Rolex watch.
Maybe learn from other hardworking cultures who have succeeded in America after having been here for far less than 400 years.
Registered user
Downtown North
on Jun 10, 2021 at 1:38 pm
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 1:38 pm
[Post removed.]
Registered user
Community Center
on Jun 10, 2021 at 2:38 pm
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2021 at 2:38 pm
[Post removed.]