We've been hearing about thieves stealing copper wiring and other hardware from streetlights and other municipal infrastructure. Well, even that is beginning to escalate.
Last week, we learned about a truck driver who disappeared with $400,000 worth of Russian King Crab somewhere along the West Coast.
Over the past few months, flash mobs have been overwhelming retail outlets and public spaces all across the country.
In a number of cities, gatherings have grown unruly and led to vandalism or assaults — and worse. Police have described some as "mob thefts" in which people assemble outside retail and convenience stores, loot them and vanish before police arrive.
Police and social media gurus say these flash mobs usually are organized on Twitter, Facebook and through text messages, as are peaceful flash mobs. Police say some of the thefts, in particular, appear to have been coordinated in advance but that violence and vandalism at other gatherings may have been random.
Still, the real-time immediacy and apparent randomness of the incidents can combine to outwit conventional policing methods, according to law enforcement authorities.
"Traditionally, if folks are assembling or holding a protest, there are permits or processes in place for law enforcement to prepare and be on site in case things happen. But with flash mobs, there's no advance warning. Law enforcement might not have staff on hand," says Nancy Kolb of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
-NPR
Well, what can you expect when the government won't even tell us what laws they are enforcing? When leaders don't follow the law, they shouldn't be surprised when citizens don't either.
