In a troubling trend for West Philadelphia, at least nine businesses have fallen victim to a string of burglaries carried out by the same suspects over several months. Authorities are now urging the community for help in identifying these individuals as they investigate the alarming uptick in crime.
The series of burglaries took place between November 2024 and May 2025, primarily affecting businesses along Market Street, Walnut Street, and Lancaster Avenue. The first incident was reported on November 7, 2024, at Pine Street Mini Market, where a cash register, an ATM, and lottery machines were damaged, resulting in a loss of cash.
Subsequent burglaries showcased a similar modus operandi. On December 19, 2024, EZ Laundry on Market Street experienced a break-in, with thieves making off with $800 and additional sums from an ATM. January 31 marked a particularly devastating burglary at Low Price Superstore, where thieves stole $5,000 from an ATM, $2,000 from a cash register, and another $2,000 in merchandise.
The pattern continued in March when Extra Space Storage on Sansom Street suffered extensive damage, including cut wires and ripped cameras. The thieves stole $100 from a cash drawer and tools, leaving behind a scene of chaos. Just a few days later, Jessie’s Place on 54th Street reported $460 in cash and three bottles of Hennessy stolen amid $300 in damages.
In April, Afor Market on Market Street was ransacked, with $720 stolen from the cash register and an unknown amount taken from the ATM. This was followed by a significant heist at Philly Laundry on Walnut Street, with losses amounting to $3,610 from the ATM and $300 from the cash drawer.
The most alarming incident occurred on April 29 at Bleu B Soul on Lancaster Avenue, where burglars caused about $6,500 in damages while stealing $9,625 in cash and $1,700 worth of liquor. Just weeks later, on May 17, Beauty Point on Lancaster Avenue was hit, suffering substantial losses in cash and inventory, with damages estimated at $5,000.
In many of these cases, the suspects utilized impressive techniques to break into the businesses. Reports indicate that they often created large holes in walls and ceilings, specifically targeting security systems by cutting off their power before ransacking the premises. In a shocking tactic, they even poured bleach as they fled.
Surveillance footage has been pivotal in this case, capturing several of the crimes in progress and linking the suspects to all nine burglaries. Business owners and employees have expressed their shock and frustration over the repeated incidents.
Tamika Edwards, who works at Beauty Point, described the brazen nature of the burglars as they literally crashed through the ceiling of the store, pointing out that they took significant amounts of cash from the register and stole beauty supplies.
“I can’t believe how bold they are. They came in from the roof and took everything,” Edwards remarked.
Gregory Thornton, who runs Bleu B Soul, echoed these sentiments. He described the damage to his establishment and the subsequent financial strain, highlighting how difficult it is for many businesses to recover from such incidents.
“It’s very disturbing because it’s a lot of people getting hurt that doesn’t have the means to put their businesses back together,” he stated, emphasizing the broader impact of these burglaries on the local community.
As police continue their investigation, they are encouraging anyone with information to come forward to help apprehend the culprits behind this series of troubling crimes.
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