Photo by  Jomo.

Montgomery County officials concerned about flash mob robberies, not content to simply denounce such behavior, like some local leaders, are reportedly seeking to enact new laws which would specifically punish such criminal activity. Reports the Washington Times:

Montgomery County Council member Craig Rice said lawmakers are in discussion with the state delegation on the possibility of introducing legislation in next year’s General Assembly session to specifically address crimes committed as part of a mob. […] “I think that the message is clear: You’ve got a community that’s come together and is saying that we no longer are going to tolerate things like this happening,” Mr. Rice said Friday, as police announced charges against many of the youths involved. “We have to make a stand and show that our community, the Germantown community, is a growing community that is safe.”

That’s some pretty tough talk. But, you know, I did a little digging around the Montgomery County Code — and, wouldn’t you know it, there are already plenty of laws on the books which cover theft, conspiracy, assault, disorderly conduct and pretty much any other crime you could possibly slap on anyone who decides to get together and spontaneously trash a convenience store. This goes a long way towards explaining how 17 people involved in a recent, high-profile “flash mob” attack have already been arrested and charged with a variety of crimes.

See, what MoCo really needs is some kind of pre-cognition force that runs through Facebook — then they’d really be able to set those hooligans straight. Aim higher, Councilmember Rice!