Group of Shoplifters Hits Mayfield Heights Store

A group of about 15 shoplifters struck around 8:30 p.m. Friday at the store in Golden Gate Plaza in .

An employee called police shortly after the thefts on Friday, but the suspects were already gone by that time. The employee called again on Saturday to request special attention be given to the store and provided more details about what the employee described as a "flash mob."

While a woman working with the shoplifters occupied an employee, about 15 people entered the store, grabbed about 40 clothing items near the entrance, and fled. Police told the manager to contact the store's headquarters to get permission to prosecute shoplifters.

Detective Joe Leskovec said he hadn't heard of other coordinated efforts involving such a large group of shoplifters.

"This is the first report we had in the city," he said, adding that he wouldn't be surprised if there are more incidents of this type.

The Lane Bryant store manager declined to comment about the incident.