32 abandoned, illegally parked vehicles towed in Northeast Philadelphia to help combat crime

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Police in the 15th District, the Philadelphia Parking Authority and Licenses and Inspections teamed up to tow 32 abandoned and illegally parked vehicles in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday.

It’s part of an ongoing effort to address one of the neighborhood’s biggest complaints: nuisance cars that clog streets, attract crime, and spark disputes among residents.

“Another one bites the dust,” said resident Robert Ferrell.

In Tacony, eight vehicles were towed from the 6300 block of Hegerman Street and seven more from the 6300 block of Vandike Street.

“Good, we get more parking spaces,” Ferrell said.

Another resident, Cida, reacted: “Great! I say thank you, police.”

Officials said more than 12,000 nuisance vehicles have been removed citywide since the initiative began in 2023.

Residents said abandoned cars have contributed to blight and unsafe conditions.

“With abandoned cars, I feel like people can come and they just see all of this trash, and they want to take advantage of the hard-working people we are,” said Tacony resident Aleena Bujanowski.

Newsome said many of the vehicles towed Friday were hazardous or carried fraudulent tags or expired registrations. Removing them, he said, is part of a broader strategy to reduce crime.

“If you have things that are lower level that are contributing to the decay of a neighborhood, then the larger issues won’t happen. You won’t have people stashing narcotics in them or weapons,” said Newsome.

Bujanowski said the abandoned cars on her block had become a haven for drug activity.

“They would break the windows and then they would sleep in there. They were doing drugs in there,” Bujanowski explained.

Newsome said the area targeted on Friday has also been a frequent dumping ground for stolen vehicles.

“We led the city in stolen vehicles the last few years, and this area we targeted is an area known for people to drop off stolen vehicles,” he said.

He added that clearing nuisance cars can also prevent conflicts between neighbors. “We’ve seen arguments happen that escalate into other things.”

Residents in nearby Mayfair on Mershon Street said they hope their streets are next.

“It’s kind of frustrating, especially with the 15th District being down the street,” said Joe Friel. “I know they’re short-handed, but we feel like we’re getting ignored up here.”

Philadelphia Parking Authority On-Street Parking senior director Edward Thornton said the agency has the capacity to expand the effort.

“The Parking Authority has the resources with the number of tow trucks that we have. We will definitely get to them,” said Thornton.

The PPA said nuisance vehicles can be reported through its website. Newsome encouraged residents to continue sharing concerns and attend the district’s next community meeting at the district building on March 26 at 6 p.m.