# Socially Networked Crime Sprees Police Warn About Theft by Flash Robs By Katie Cordrey | Published 2011-06-22 | Social Media Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flash-robs References: [cbn](http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/June/Flash-Robs-Leave-Stores-in-Awe-Over-Mass-Thefts/) & [mydaily](http://www.mydaily.com/2011/06/20/flash-robs/) Flash robs are on the rise and that has a lot of retailers worried. Using the same [social media and networking technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stage-ten) used for other flash mob activities like dancing and political protest, [flash robs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sainsburys-and-facewatch) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagram-10) more closely and hope to thwart the "safety in numbers" theory that seems to embolden flash rob participants. [Image](http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/03/02/mag-mile-shops-on-alert-after-flash-mob-thefts/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **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. - **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. - **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. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Retail:** The retail industry is directly affected by flash robs and can explore innovative solutions to enhance security and protect businesses from such incidents. - **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. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Location-Aware Security Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revolut-street-mode.md) - [Collaborative Surveillance Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ring-neighbors.md) - [Athletic Apparel Interactive Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoplift-campaign.md) - [Anti-Theft Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unsnatchable-phone-case.md) - [Anti-Automated Software Retail Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-bot-shop.md) - [Viral Criminal Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-can-fix-him.md) - [Anti-Theft Jewelry Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/richemont.md) - [Home Security-Branded Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neighbourgood-caf.md) - [Smartphone Retail Security Tags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safe-tag.md)