The Maple Valley Police Department issued a warning and some tips to prepare for flash mob robberies in the Maple Valley Business Watch newsletter.

A flash rob, also known as a multiple offender crime or flash mob robbery, is an organized form of theft where a group of participants enter a retail shop or convenience store en masse and steal goods and other items, according to the newsletter. Store workers and employees will typically become overwhelmed in these cases by the large amount of participants.

Federal Way police are investigating what may be the first flash mob robberies in the state. During one of the robberies, 40 teenagers and young adults entered a Shell gasoline station and stole items. At a separate 7-Eleven store, the horde of people stole wine and beer. None of the intruders appeared to be armed. In such cases, retail store personnel are helpless to stop the widespread simultaneous crimes from happening. Police say employees should protect their own safety first during a flash mob.

“Stay alert, calm, and in compliance,” the newsletter states. “Material things are not worth the risk. If you can get out safely and call 911, do so.”

Most criminal flash mobs have been non-violent, with the perpetrators more interested in merchandise than cash or harming employees. Any threats or acts of harm, intimidation or violence should be reported to the police as they may classify the incident as a robbery as opposed to a theft.

Flash mobs may not be predictable and can happen at any time or anyplace. Police said companies should consider a proactive approach:

• Have a good working video system in place.• Test and ensure panic buttons are in good working condition.

• Make sure that your business windows are clear and visible from the outside. Visibility from the outside may assist in someone seeing that an incident is occurring.

• Educate employees on this type of crime.

• Have updated emergency contact numbers available.