'Flash Mob Shoplifters' Will Face Jail Under Bill Backed By Sen. Bramnick

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A slew of "flash mob shoplifters" have been seen ransacking stores and small business across the country, and Republican Senator Jon Bramnick of NJ's 21st district is taking action to prevent these crimes in New Jersey.

Bramnick, who lives in Westfield, and Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) are pushing a bill that creates the third-degree crime of gang shoplifting punishable by at least a year in jail during which the person would not be eligible for parole.

“We’re seeing more and more instances where flash mobs of shoplifters have run through clothing stores, pharmacies, and even a 7-Eleven recently where they smash and grab anything that isn’t bolted down,” said Bramnick. “If people want to do these crimes, they need to get the message that their next flash mob will be in jail.”

According to the senators, the majority of these crimes seems to be happening in California as a result of the state's decision not to prosecute most shoplifting crimes in recent years.

Most recently, a group of seven men and women looted a Lululemon in Manhattan at 14th Street and 9th Avenue on Aug. 16 and made off with close to $30,000 in stolen goods, according to the New York Post.

"The gang grabbed clothing and other gear and stuffed it into large sacks and a shopping cart, walking nonchalantly by a security guard who appeared on video to do nothing to stop them," the NY Post reported.

One man even carried a huge pile of apparel overflowing in his arms.

“We’re seeing a combination of organized criminal gangs and flash mobs planned on social media that have the ability to destroy a business in a matter of minutes,” said Bucco. “These crimes have the greatest impact on struggling urban communities that already have a hard time attracting and keeping grocery stores and pharmacies to serve their residents. With videos of these incidents widespread on TikTok and social media, New Jersey won’t be safe unless people know they’ll face real jail time for participating.”

The new legislation is set to be introduced at the next Senate quorum.

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