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SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco police are investigating a handbag robbery at a Neiman Marcus store Monday evening.
Authorities said the robbery happened around 5:49 p.m. at the high-end department store located in Union Square.
But by the time officers arrived the suspects were already gone.
Witnesses said the ordeal happened just before the store was about to close. They said the suspects smashed display cases and snatched items from racks before fleeing.
Cell phone video shows the suspects bolting out of the store right behind each other with purses in their arms. It appears the suspects fled in awaiting getaway cars.
There are also photos showing glass displays inside the store, shattered.
Witnesses said they counted at least nine people, both men, and women, running away with stolen items.
Neiman Marcus has not yet responded for comment yet about what happened.
But other retailers are reacting to similar crimes of their own.
Over a span of five years, Walgreens has closed about 17 stores, specifically as a result of shoplifting.
Late last week, Target announced six San Francisco stores will be limiting store hours as a result of too many shoplifters: Stores will now close at 6 p.m instead of 10 p.m.