Police Warn About Theft by Flash Robs
Katie Cordrey — June 22, 2011 — Social Media
Flash robs are on the rise and that has a lot of retailers worried. Using the same social media and networking technologies used for other flash mob activities like dancing and political protest, flash robs are seemingly instantaneous gatherings of thieves who hit convenience stores and other retailers to commit robberies.
Though the participants are being videotaped, they still laugh and joke and have a lot of fun stealing seemingly small items. A single, well-attended flash rob of a small retailer can put it out of business. Because flash rob plots are hatched using social media, police have begun monitoring social media sites more closely and hope to thwart the "safety in numbers" theory that seems to embolden flash rob participants.
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Though the participants are being videotaped, they still laugh and joke and have a lot of fun stealing seemingly small items. A single, well-attended flash rob of a small retailer can put it out of business. Because flash rob plots are hatched using social media, police have begun monitoring social media sites more closely and hope to thwart the "safety in numbers" theory that seems to embolden flash rob participants.
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Trend Themes
1. Flash Robs - Utilizing social media and networking technologies, flash robs are becoming a concerning trend for retailers, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovation in security and surveillance systems.
2. Social Media Monitoring - Law enforcement agencies are increasing their focus on monitoring social media sites to prevent and respond to flash robs, opening opportunities for innovative software and technology solutions.
3. Retail Store Vulnerability - The rise of flash robs highlights the vulnerability of small retailers, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in store layout, security measures, and loss prevention strategies.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry is directly affected by flash robs and can explore innovative solutions to enhance security and protect businesses from such incidents.
2. Security and Surveillance - The security and surveillance industry can leverage the rise of flash robs to develop advanced technologies and systems that can prevent and respond effectively to such crimes.
3. Social Media Monitoring - The emerging need for monitoring social media for criminal activities like flash robs opens up opportunities for software and technology companies to provide innovative solutions for law enforcement agencies.
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