Armed robberies have Spring Garden, Fairmount residents on alert

FAIRMOUNT (WPVI) -- A string of armed robberies during the last month has residents and business owners on edge in the Spring Garden and Fairmount sections of Philadelphia.

"Absolutely horrified. I take my son, he's 4 months old, on a walk almost every day," Fairmount resident Lauren Flurer said.

Some of the armed robberies took place in the middle of the day.

One of them happened at 18th and Fairmount at 1 p.m. Another last month took place around 2:30 p.m. at 22nd and Spring Garden.

Artist Robert "Peanutbutter" Woodward of the Peanut Art Gallery on Fairmount Avenue says he was robbed three weeks ago.

"He stole one of my tools while I was up on the scaffolding," Woodward said.

Another armed robbery took place at Green and 20th, totaling five in the last 30 days.

Not every armed robbery has gone down during the daytime. Surveillance video captured one at 4:30 a.m. on at 20th and Brandywine.

It happened quickly. The suspects approach the victim, rob them, and then run into the getaway van.

Adam Margent also runs businesses in the neighborhood and knows one of the victims.

"A shady, sketchy looking gentleman was patrolling the area and picked a victim who looked vulnerable with a cell phone or a laptop out and quickly approached her," Margent said.

Police are investigating all of these incidents.

There is no word of any arrests.