Mall robbers didn't know police were there already

Oct. 25, 2010
Security guard alerted police who caught all five shoplifters

ATLANTA -- A police chase that began with a shoplifting incident at Belk at Phipps Plaza ended at a nearby Lenox Mall on Thursday afternoon, Atlanta police said.

Ironically, a group of police officers were at the shopping center for a meeting when the robbery happened, police said. They said a security guard rushed over to alert the officers after a group of men attempted to steal nearly $3,000 worth of merchandise.

The robbers tried to flee in a stolen black Lexus, but crashed at Phipps, according to authorities.

The men then ran out of the car. One suspect was seen running down Lenox Road and then ran into the Macy’s store at Lenox Square, but eventually all five were caught, police said. News Chopper 2 flew over the scene, where one of the suspects was being hauled into a police car.

Police said the group may be connected to two robberies in two other counties.

5 Arrested After Wild Search For Mall Thieves

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