Calabasas Shoppers Advised to Stay Alert After Recent Armed Robberies
Calabasas Shoppers Urged to Stay Alert Amid Armed Robberies
Los Angeles County, Calif. — Authorities in Calabasas are advising shoppers to exercise caution following a string of armed robberies targeting women in parking lots. The incidents included two robberies at The Commons at Calabasas and one at a nearby shopping center in Westlake Village.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that the robberies occurred on Wednesday evening at locations just miles apart. In each case, a suspect dressed entirely in black approached women in the parking areas, brandished a firearm, and demanded their valuables, which included luxury purses.
Sheriff’s officials believe the incidents are linked. "We are investigating, but we do believe they are related," stated Captain Dustin Carr of the Sheriff’s Department’s Lost Hills Station.
A similar robbery was reported the previous week at The Commons at Calabasas, where a woman was also held at gunpoint. In that incident, the suspect fled the scene after demanding property.
The recent crimes have raised concerns among shoppers. Aiden Najarian expressed unease, saying, "The women hold their purses and the guys put their wallets in their front pockets. You’ve just got to be aware of your surroundings."
Another shopper, Sarah Zarin, voiced her shock, commenting, "I am outraged, really, because this is supposed to be a very nice outdoor mall." She indicated that she plans to take added precautions in the future.
As of now, no arrests have been made. The Sheriff’s Department is urging the public to remain vigilant, particularly after dark, while mall officials and law enforcement increase security measures and patrols at local shopping centers.
