A 13-year-old was among two individuals arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department in connection with a series of robberies that have plagued South Philadelphia for the past month, authorities announced Thursday.
Residents of the neighborhood, spanning from 7th to 13th streets between Reed Street and South Street, have expressed growing concern over the incidents. “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, a South Philadelphia resident.
The Philadelphia Police Department began investigating the pattern of robberies on January 17th. According to Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore, the incidents subsided during a period of cold weather and snowfall but resumed in February. “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,” Vanore stated.
Police have identified two distinct patterns in the robberies. One group targets scooters, either stealing them or using them to commit robberies. The other group focuses on pedestrians, often targeting individuals walking alone late at night and snatching purses. “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 explained.
The robberies are characterized as “strong-arm” robberies, meaning no weapons were involved, though some victims have sustained injuries. Suspects consistently wear masks and dark clothing, hindering identification. Police have reported at least five strong-arm robberies and seven scooter thefts within the defined area. A disproportionate number of victims have been identified as Hispanic.
The arrests of the two juveniles, ages 13 and 16, represent a step in the investigation, but authorities believe additional individuals are involved. One suspect was identified after using a victim’s credit card at a store in North Philadelphia, suggesting the suspects are fleeing north through Center City after committing the crimes. “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.
During a public safety meeting held Wednesday night, residents pressed police for specific actions to address the escalating situation. “I’m looking specifically for what specific steps or actions they’re gonna take to address this issue,” one neighbor stated.
In response, the Philadelphia Police Department has increased patrols in the affected area between 8 p.m. And 2 a.m., deploying highway patrol and bicycle officers. Authorities are also distributing flyers and sharing information through Hispanic radio stations. “They’re getting more violent, so definitely a group we desire to catch and place an end to these acts,” Vanore said.
Police are urging residents to review surveillance camera footage and report any suspicious activity to South Detectives at 215-686-3013 or by calling 911.
