A cluster of five violent robberies in South Philadelphia has neighbors rattled and police on high alert, after a crew of young men allegedly jumped riders, stole bikes and wallets, and left one victim unconscious in the street.
All five attacks happened within blocks of each other over the past month, mostly in the late-night hours. In several cases, victims were shoved off electric bicycles, punched, kicked, and robbed of cash, wallets, and at least one e-bike. One person was knocked out and suffered what officers called a possible concussion, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.
The spree kicked off around 1:45 a.m. on Jan. 17 on the 900 block of Washington Avenue, when police say three young men pushed a rider off an electric bicycle and took the bike. On Feb. 3, two more incidents hit the neighborhood: one on the 1100 block of Carpenter Street and another on the 1100 block of South 10th Street. In those cases, three men allegedly punched and kicked victims and stole cash and an e-bike.
The pattern continued on Feb. 11 on the 1100 block of Annin Street, where officers say three men robbed a victim of a wallet. In that incident, one suspect rode a scooter and another flashed a handgun. The most recent reported attack came just before 12:48 a.m. on Feb. 12 near 10th and Reed streets, where a victim was knocked unconscious, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.
Police Investigating, Detectives Ask For Tips
South Detectives are handling the case and are asking anyone with information or footage to call 215-686-3013 or dial 911, per the Philadelphia Police Department.
Neighbors told 6abc they believe investigators are tracking two overlapping robbery patterns: one group allegedly zeroing in on e-bikes and another seemingly focused on wallets. Residents say surveillance video from the area has already been shared with detectives, and officers report they are reviewing camera footage as they work to identify suspects.
Neighbors Lean On Cameras And Community
Residents say doorbell and Ring-style cameras are already playing a part in the probe, and some neighbors are organizing to meet with police about safety in the area. "This is South Philly, we're all a family here," one resident told 6abc, explaining that people on the blocks are combing through their own video and passing clips along to investigators.
Volunteers at nearby Bardascino Park said they have also been in touch with officers after an incident there, according to reporting.
Police are urging anyone with video, photos or other digital evidence to preserve the files and reach out to detectives. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the department tip line. Residents who want to register a home camera or upload footage can use the SafeCam and tip resources on the Philadelphia Police website, per the Philadelphia Police Department. Investigators have not announced any arrests in the string of robberies.
