Residents in South Philadelphia have been on high alert following a spate of violent street robberies over the past month. Two juveniles, a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old, were recently arrested in connection with the various incidents that began around January 17, as per 6abc. The area affected, stretching from Seventh to 13th streets between Reed Street and South Street, has seen five strong-arm robberies and seven scooter thefts, police said.
The crimes, which have largely taken place late at night and into the early morning hours, involved perpetrators donning all-black clothing and masks. Police are working to actively stop the seemingly arbitrary pattern of attacks that has unsettled the community. Speaking during a public safety meeting covered by CBS News Philadelphia, Councilmember Mark Squilla expressed hope for a decrease in criminal activity following enhanced police presence in the affected areas.
According to PHL17, the Philadelphia Police are now calling on the public to assist in the investigation. They have requested that residents and business owners review their surveillance footage for any clues that could lead to further arrests…