There is a disturbing sociological phenomenon occurring. It's the Philadelphia flash mobs in 2011.

Flash mobs are usually organized whimsical events that are meant to amuse the public. However, the teenage flash mobs of Philadelphia are out to steal, assault, and destroy.

Sometimes, the lawless acts of the flash mobs are spontaneous. Other times, they're planned and premeditated. Below are three recent teenage flash mob crimes committed in Philadelphia in 2011.

- On June 28, about 100 or more teenagers who left a concert night committed a series of violent crimes. One of the crimes took place when a group of teens ran by a Max Brenner restaurant and snatched valuables from the patrons.

When one of the patrons ran after the thief, she was punched in the jaw and called obscene names.

Source: http://www.philly.com

- On June 25, a teenage flash mob brutally assaulted pedestrians. One of the victims was Emily Guendelsberger, an editor at The Onion, who had her leg broken.

Guendelsberger tweeted that there might have been 100 teenagers and that some of the men with her group got pretty f***ed up.

Molly Eichel, a Daily News writer, was with her at the time. She said some kid just came out of nowhere and punched my friend Charlie in the face.

Source: http://www.philly.com

- On June 23, a group of teenagers boarded a train, got off at a stop near a Sears store, entered the Sears store, and stole sneakers, socks, and watches.

The mob committed their robbery in less than four minutes. Three or four teenagers stayed outside the Sears store to act as lookouts.

Source: http://www.delcotimes.com