happened. >> we tried to stop them and they closed the front entrance and they put their sledgehammers up like weber got in the way they were going to hurt them and then they threatened the customer but he got away and they ran out and the cops got here shortly. >> law enforcement believe the flash mob are correlated group effort they're investigating organizing these crimes and patrols at shopping centers. critics of california operate its justice system saying the surgeon organized retail crime is a result of a state referendum which downgraded property theft to a misdemeanor for stolen items that they value of $950 or less. >> i think it's a manifestation of weak leadership in a manifestation of some bad decisions that are leaders made. it's a manifestation to set aside for gonna defund the cops. >> they arrested four suspects in beverly hills in connection to the home depot burglar