PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Police believe groups of juveniles are behind a series of robberies that have rattled residents in South Philadelphia over the past month.
Residents say the incidents have left the neighborhood on edge.
“We’re all pretty freaked out by it. It’s a close-knit neighborhood, so we’re concerned for ourselves, but we’re concerned for our fellow neighbors, you know? These have been going on for almost a month now. And they’re violent incidents. It’s a huge concern,” said Joe Manning, who lives in South Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Police Department said investigators first noticed the pattern beginning Jan. 17.
“We noticed that going back to January 17, we have a series of robberies. It kind of stopped when it got really cold and snowed, but it then picked up again in February and continued,” said Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore.
RELATED | Residents on edge after string of South Philadelphia muggings
Residents on edge after string of South Philadelphia muggings
Vanore says the robberies have largely occurred late at night and into the early morning hours, with the suspects wearing all black clothing and masks.
“Some of them are targeting scooters, other ones they’re driving up on scooters and they’re perpetrating the robberies. All of these robberies have been strong-arm, meaning there was no weapon involved,” Vanore said. “In all of the robberies, there were wearing masks, very hard to identify them.”
Investigators say there appear to be two distinct robbery patterns, though it remains unclear whether they are connected.
“Could be connected, but they seem to be acting differently. One group’s on scooters or targeting scooters, the other group’s walking, and they’re looking for people that are out late, mostly alone, and they’re grabbing their purse,” Vanore said.
Police say at least five strong-arm robberies and seven scooter thefts have been reported in the area between 7th and 13th streets, from Reed Street to South Street. Officials said many of the victims are Hispanic.
So far, police have arrested two juveniles in connection with the crimes.
“One arrest we made, the juvenile was 13. The one just two days ago was 16, so it’s a range of ages, but they all seem to be juveniles,” Vanore said.
Police said one suspect was identified after using a victim’s credit card at a store in North Philadelphia.
“When they flee, they’re going north, going through Center City. We have some acts we believe are connected to this in the ninth district in Center City,” Vanore said.
Residents voiced their concerns during a public safety meeting with police on Wednesday night.
“I’m looking specifically for what specific steps or actions they’re gonna take to address this issue,” one neighbor said.
Police said they have responded by increasing patrols between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., adding highway patrol and bicycle officers, distributing flyers and sharing information through Hispanic radio stations.
“They’re getting more violent, so definitely a group we want to catch and put an end to these acts,” Vanore said.
Police are asking residents to review their surveillance cameras and report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information is asked to contact South Detectives at 215-686-3013 or call 911.
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