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Video Shows Groups Of Shoplifters Looting Store, Getting Into Getaway Cars

[Twitter Screenshot KTVU]

Brianna Lyman News and Commentary Writer
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A group of people allegedly robbed a Neiman Marcus in San Francisco, with video footage capturing the suspects running out of the store and jumping into getaway cars.

The incident unfolded around 5:49 p.m. Monday night at the Neiman Marcus in Union Square, according to KTVU. Witnesses reported the store was preparing to close when a group of individuals allegedly started smashing display cases and steeling several items before fleeing the scene.

Witnesses said they counted at least nine individuals bolting out of the store with stolen goods, according to the report. (RELATED: Thief Steals Bag Full Of Items At Walgreens While Security Guard With Phone Does Absolutely Nothing)

Video shows suspects running through the front door of the store, with some suspects carrying multiple objects. Several of the suspects are seen jumping into cars before speeding away while others ran from the store. Several onlookers can be seen recording the incident.

Shoplifters have increasingly been targeting stores across San Francisco, with several retail executives, police officers and city officials pointing to Proposition 47 for blame. The 2014 ballot measure reclassified nonviolent larceny as a misdemeanor as long as the total value of goods stolen is less than $950.

In light of the recent uptick of theft, stores have begun closing their doors. Walgreens has closed 17 stores in the area due to extreme shoplifting, a representative said during a virtual board of supervisors hearing in May.

Board member Ahsha Safai said the situation was “out of control” during the hearing.

“People are scared to go into these stores: seniors, people with disabilities, children,” he said. “And it’s happening brazenly. We can’t just as a city throw up our hands and say this is OK.”

Shoplifitng has increased this year, with larceny up 22%, according to data from the San Francisco Police Department.