Man how times have changed! You can look at virtually any aspect of society and notice the not-so-subtle differences between modern day society and times past.

Have you ever heard of “flash mob” robberies? For some teenagers, the idea of joining a “flash mob” theft no doubt has its appeal: Rush into a store with a couple dozen buddies, overwhelm the clerk, help yourself to munchies and leave.

But as a recent round-up of flash-mob shows, there’s a decent chance the trend could fade quickly.

The suspects will be charged with any or all of three offenses: theft, conspiracy to commit theft and disorderly conduct, police said.

Recently a flash-mob of 17 individuals participated in just such an event. Of the 17, 14 are juveniles. Police said they will release the names of the adult suspects — ages 18, 19 and 20 — once they have been legally served.

The striking surveillance footage, posted on news sites and YouTube, went viral, and people all over the world watched the group darting up and down aisles, taking over the store.

Video Footage Goes Viral

Closer to home, detectives took advantage of the security video, breaking it down into still images. They showed these to an officer who works in area schools and to principals. Names started pouring in.

Detectives also are firming up what the case is not about: Texting and social media.

That’s been the case in some flash mobs: Young people used the technology to assemble. In the 7-Eleven job, the youths rode a bus from the county fair to the Germantown (near Philadelphia), Pennsylvania and started talking to one another. Someone came up with the idea to hit the 7-Eleven.

Among the group were a few juveniles who had been arrested before, but most hadn’t been. It appeared that there was a pack mentality that took over.

Rather than celebrate the video by posting it on their Facebook pages, he said, many were embarrassed that the video spread so far.

At least one person shown on the video, a young woman, came in with the group but made a point to pay the clerk for her purchase. The cases against the juveniles will be handled by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. If the parents of the youths show that they are stepping in — imposing discipline themselves, for example — that could go a long way in sparing their kids of any kind of detention.

Technology should make it more difficult to steal and get away with it. “Big Brother” seems to always be watching. How about this – don’t steal.