Flash mobs have been a growing trend across the United States over the past few years. This is basically a publicity stunt in which a group of people suddenly assembles to perform an act for a brief amount of time. Some flash mobs get together to dance or sing generally for the purpose of entertainment and to draw attention to themselves. The participants generally find out about the upcoming flash mob via social networking.
Unfortunately, various groups have taken this fun idea and changed it into an illegal grouping of a band of thieves. We’ve heard about instances in many cities across the country, and the problem has lately been reoccurring in NYC. In fact, a group of teenagers have assembled at 57th street between 8 th and 9th avenues and created havoc by storming, disassembling and stealing from a particular newsstand so many times that the manager has been forced to shut down in the afternoons so he doesn’t face any more destruction. The owner says that as quickly as they arrive, the teenagers are gone in a flash along with thousands of dollars of merchandise. By the time the police are alerted and arrive, they are gone.
For years authorities didn’t believe that flash mobs were a threat, but they are now focusing on this form of theft and violence more seriously. Teenagers get swept up in the moment and follow what their friends are doing even if it includes ransacking and theft. In Maryland, police recently used surveillance tape from a flash mob that resulted in theft from a 7-Eleven. They posted it on YouTube and headed to the local high school where the principal and students were asked to identify faces.
If you or your teenager has mistakenly been caught up in this behavior, a first time offender might face punishments that include fines, replacement of property, community service work and theft education classes. The purpose of having the individual take a theft class is to teach offenders why and how to improve their thinking. This kind of behavior is often the result of poor judgment and decision-making skills. Classes teach how to understand how this action is impacting society, their family and themselves. Classes also review the further consequences and risks of theft and ways to manage and stop this behavior.
The easiest, most convenient and current way to take a court ordered theft class is online. High quality courses are now offered that are designed by a licensed and practicing therapist, and anger management expert. Just check first with your judge, probation officer or court system to make sure that an online course will be accepted for court requirements. If so, all you need to do is enroll on the website at www.theftclassonline.com and choose the length of course you need to fulfill the court mandate. Once registered, the class becomes immediately available to you on any Internet based computer device. Simply read through the class, take the short quizzes and pass the final multiple-choice exam with a 70% or better.
When the final exam is passed, a Certificate of Completion is sent to you within a few days. This is the official paperwork individuals need to prove to the legal system that they fulfilled the requirement. This is an interesting and user-friendly way to get this situation behind you and to learn how to avoid this behavior in the future.
