The mall was packed with customers when several thieves smashed display cases and stole wallets, watches and purses from the Rebag store around 1 p.m.
The smashing glass set off chaos and confusion at the mall, as some wondered if it was the sound of gunfire.
Shawn Deguzman, who works at a nearby store, said customers hid there in a panic.
"I was a little shaken up from the incident myself," he said.
Workers at the Shops at Santa Anita say there have been other smash-and-grab robberies there recently.
Police say the suspects fled in a white Infiniti sedan. No one was in custody.