In a security bulletin, the Ayala Center Association Inc. (ACAI) said the "Ipit Gang" victimizes mall patrons who walk alone and foreigners who are unfamiliar with the places inside the Ayala malls such as Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Park Square.

"Recently this group has permutated into a much sophisticated organized group composed of male, female, and even adolescent members. They are equipped with gas cannisters which totally immobilize their victims," the ACAI bulletin said.

The group is composed of two or more males, two or more females, and adolescent members. The leader, usually a male, would first identify their would-be victims.

Favorite targets are individuals displaying expensive jewelry on their bodies and carrying cellular phones, and foreigners who are alone or who have been separated from their group, an ACAI official said.

The latest victim was a man who got separated from his family as he went to the comfort room, he said.

Once their leader makes a signal, the gang members would follow their target. Once the victim reaches an isolated corner or a hallway, or goes inside a comfort room, one of the gang members would spray mist in the face of the victim, the ACAI official said.

The gas will temporarily paralyze the victim although he will remain standing and conscious of his surroundings. A designated gang member will then start getting his wallet, pieces of jewelry, cell phone and other valuable items in his possession while the rest of the gang will use their bodies as screen to prevent other people from seeing the robbery, the official said.

The victim can see and feel everything being done on him but the gas temporarily prevents him from moving or talking or shouting for help. After a minute or two, the victim regain his senses and consciousness. By this time, however, the culprits have already left the mall, the official said.

ACAI recommends that merchants, employees, guards, and other mall workers should always be on alert for groups of three or more people who linger in their area and show restlessness as if looking for someone. At times, a gang member may even be seen giving hand signals.

Mall goers are also advised to watch out for persons carrying small canisters or those roaming around and apparently observing people.

"If you suspect the group’s presence, call the attention of any guard, janitor, or law enforcer, or even other customers in the area," ACAI officials said.