Skip to main content
Tags: london | flash | mobs | criminal

Flash Mobs Are Turning Criminal

Tuesday, 09 August 2011 12:08 PM EDT

Flash mobs have been peaceful and exciting acts of public performance for years, often highlighting humorous dance routines. But recently, criminals have begun to exploit the anonymity of these organized crowds, reports Townhall.com.

Social networks like Twitter and Facebook have made organizing flash mobs a fairly simple feat. And now, criminals are tapping into online networking to coordinate mass robberies and chaos-inducing fights.

“They’re gathering with an intent behind it, not just to enjoy the event,” Shaker Heights Police Chief D. Scott Lee said. “All too often, some of the intent is malicious.”

In London, police are blaming instant messaging and Twitter for the rioting and looting escalating in the streets.

And in Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter condemned the behavior of youth participating in chaotic flash mobs after a group of 30 teenagers assaulted a local man and looted a Sears store.

“What is making this unique today is the social media aspect,” said Everett Gillison, Philadelphia’s deputy mayor for public safety. “They can communicate and congregate at a moment’s notice. That can overwhelm any municipality.”

Though many of these so-called “flash mob robberies” do not cause excessive damage in terms of dollars of items stolen or injuries caused, the sheer size and speed of the mob groups makes them very difficult to control.


© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


FastFeatures
Flash mobs have been peaceful and exciting acts of public performance for years, often highlighting humorous dance routines. But recently, criminals have begun to exploit the anonymity of these organized crowds, reports Townhall.com. Social networks like Twitter and...
london,flash,mobs,criminal
215
2011-08-09
Tuesday, 09 August 2011 12:08 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.

PLEASE NOTE: All information presented on Newsmax.com is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented on our websites should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found on our websites is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the author’s best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in Newsmaxhealth.com and Newsmax.com do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.

 
TOP

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved