The Calabasas Commons has experienced a series of armed robberies that have raised safety concerns. Over the past two weeks, three women were targeted at local shopping centers, with two incidents happening near Calabasas High School. In each case, a woman was approached by an armed suspect who demanded her purse.
The first of the two armed robberies at the Calabasas Commons occurred on Tuesday, January 13. According to KTLA, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Lost Hills Station responded quickly and arrested the suspect, who was carrying a gun near the mall. The suspect was arrested near the intersection of Mulholland Drive and Calabasas Road. Authorities were unable to confirm the victim, however, TNLA stated that an elderly woman was targeted in the crime.
LASD Captain Dustin Carr emphasized the danger of the situation. According to ABC7, Capt. Carr stated, “These are armed robberies. They’re very serious crimes, and it’s, you know, a very frightening situation right now that’s occurring in the Lost Hills jurisdiction.”
Carr also said that investigators are unsure of why the area is being targeted.
“It does appear that they are targeting this area, whether it’s due to affluence or economics, we’re unsure of a motivation at this point,” Carr said.
The second of the two robberies at the Calabasas Commons happened on January 22.
According to KTLA, a suspect, described by authorities as a black male, allegedly pushed the woman to the ground, took her Louis Vuitton purse, and fled the scene.
Officials reported that it is unclear whether the suspect was actually carrying a weapon, but the victim told investigators that the man claimed he had a handgun. As of now, police have not confirmed whether the two incidents were carried out by the same suspect, and no arrests have been made.
According to The Acorn, the second incident took place in the parking lot near Fazio Cleaners and Ralphs. The victim told deputies that she was sitting on the curb waiting for a ride when a man dressed in black and carrying a handgun stole her luxury purse.
Investigators were able to locate the licence plate number and car, which they then tracked to a rental car service. Authorities determined that the second suspect drove the vehicle while the first stole the bag.
In response to the robberies, the Sheriff’s Department has advised residents to take precautions. This includes shopping in pairs and avoiding isolated areas at night.
For many Calabasas High School students, the incidents are unusual for the area.
Sophomore Miles Ikari said he has been going to the commons regularly since he was younger.
“I’ve been going to the Commons every day ever since I was younger,” Ikari said. “It’s definitely made me more aware of things that can happen, even though the place is so quiet.”
Ikari added that while the robberies are concerning, they have not changed his opinion on the area.
“My opinion on the armed robberies is that I think it’s just really strange. You don’t normally see that here,” he said.
Sophomore Chloe Huston, who has been visiting the Commons since first grade, said the incidents are on her mind but have not stopped her from going,
“I go with friends. I don’t worry about it that much, but it’s on my mind,” Huston said.
She explained that she now takes extra precautions. “Because of the armed robberies, I go to the Commons with a group of people.”
However, not all students feel the same level of comfort. Melody Huston, a sophomore at CHS, said that the robberies have changed her behavior.
“I feel unsafe because I don’t want to be involved in the violence,” she said. “The armed robberies changed how I act because I’m more cautious, and I don’t go as often.”
As the investigation continues, residents are being reminded through social media to prioritize safety and remain aware of their surroundings until the suspects and threats are apprehended. While arrests have been made in one case, authorities are still determining whether the incidents are connected.
These recent crimes remind the community that even in quiet areas, staying alert is important.
