Locust Street Hit Again (And Again) by Smash-and-Grabs
Since our reporting of the July 1 mass smash-and-grab on Locust Street, the same block has been rocked with multiple similar incidents.
Here are the major developments:
Timeline
July 1: As we reported, 9 cars were vandalized overnight on Locust Street between 24th and 25th. Police records detail 3 vandalized vehicles on this date, which conflicts with our eyewitness reporting of 9 vehicles. It’s possible some owners didn’t file reports with police.
July 4: Police respond to another report of vandalism on the block, this time for a Jeep whose driver-side window was smashed.
July 9: Police arrive at 7:24am to find 8 new cars on the block that have their windows smashed, ranging from 2010 to 2018 models.
Residents Affected
Two large residential complexes dominate this block: Locust Point (2429 Locust St) and Locust on the Park (201 S 25th St).
Locust Point has an indoor parking garage, though according to a source with knowledge of the building, the number of spots is limited and some residents do park on Locust Street. The source said the complex will be adding cameras to the exterior of the building, though timing is uncertain. While Locust Point does have video surveillance, most of them face towards the building, not towards the street.
Locust on the Park has both a gated surface lot and an underground garage. During the July 8 spree, some vehicles inside its gate were vandalized, in addition to the vehicles on Locust Street.
On July 9, Locust on the Park building management sent a letter to all residents, which The Fitler Focus has obtained.
The letter says management has been in contact with Police and City Council, the latter of which has promised to “elevate the concern.” The letter states that management is looking into joining town watch efforts.
Locust on the Park is also adding overnight “concierge hours” from 10pm to 4am to “help deter further incidents,” according to the letter sent to residents.
Police Response
In an email to the Fitler Focus, Shawn Ritchie of the Philadelphia Police Department said that “the investigation of all these thefts are active and ongoing.”
No arrests have been made. “Police have steeped up patrol in these areas due to the crime pattern,” Ritchie said.
Ritchie continued: “The Philadelphia Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding this vandalism to submit a tip. It can be submitted anonymously by calling or texting our PPD’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).”