21st Century Crime

Flash Mobs

Have you head the term "Flash Mob" yet?  If not, you soon will.  It's one of the latest fads.  It is also the latest in crime. Strangely, they're not both.  And right now you're wondering if I'm nuts.

Flash mobs originate by teens and young adults using Facebook and/or Twitter to meet at a certain location. The legitimate groups meet at the location at a specified time and then.... break out into song, dance, pillow fight or some other innocuous activity. A good example is shown in the video from Chicago in 2010.

But not all Flash Mobs are equal. It now seems the less savory elements in society are using the same technology to commit crimes.  Texts are sent to meet up at an area and then the youthful offenders all enter a store at the same time.  Convenience store, department store it doesn't matter. In a few minutes they can push over merchandise displays and disrupt the store, intimidating the patrons and staff while they steal merchandise. Worse, as shown in the video below, they can create an "instant riot" in the streets.

Even what starts out to be something "playful", such as a snowball fight, can turn into a violent or destructive mob.  That scenario played out at a Philly Macy's when the youths ran through Macy's, spilling merchandise on the floor, throwing shoes and signs and creating general mayhem.

The primary concern for all of us, of course, is self-defense in these situations. I wonder how long it will be before some "flash riot" in the streets involves a citizen getting pulled from his car by a mob and he opens fire with his CCW.  Or someone inside a store who gets beaten and resorts to self-defense against a "mob".

I'm certain we'll hear from teary relatives that their deceased child was "gunned down in cold blood" because he'd never do such a thing (despite being involved).  Or city leaders claiming that shooting someone for "minor theft" isn't appropriate. Of course they won't tell you about the thousands of dollars of hospital charges the unfortunate beating victim.

Modern technology is a wonderful tool.  Just like your firearm.  But it can be misused by those with greed or anger.  Our response should be heightened awareness of our surroundings (sound familiar?) and getting out of the danger zone quickly.

And if you're a parent, watch your child's texting and notify authorities if you see something suspicious.  You might save a life.

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