17 suspects arrested for string of Apple Store robberies across California

Arrest warrants have been issued for 17 members of an alleged snatch-and-grab robbery gang who targeted Apple stores across California, including a store in Monterey County, authorities announced Thursday.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the individuals were responsible for Apple retail stores robberies in 19 counties that resulted in the loss of over $1 million.

The defendants were charged with entering the stores in large groups wearing hoodies and snatching products on display in a matter of seconds.

“Organized retail thefts cost California business owners millions and expose them to copycat criminals,” said Becerra. “Ultimately, consumers pay the cost of this merchandise hijacking. We will continue our work with local law enforcement authorities to extinguish this mob mentality and prosecute these criminals to hold them accountable.”

Seven adults were arrested on Tuesday and booked in the Alameda County Jail. Another is currently in custody in Sonoma County. Arrest warrants have been issued for nine other suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

Police across the Central Coast and Bay Area have been investigating the brazen daylight robberies targeting Apple stores and other cell phone shops that have been caught on camera.

On Friday, at least three suspects entered the Del Monte Apple Store in Monterey and ran out with multiple products.