Vandals hit vehicles in Germantown; 1 in custody

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police arrested a suspect accused of breaking into almost a dozen cars in the city's Germantown neighborhood

Authorities said two of his accomplices remain on the run.

Some of the vehicles hit were located on the 100 block of Cliveden Street. Police said that the quick thinking of a homeowner led to police capturing one of the suspects.

Police said the suspects used a sledgehammer to smash windows and break into cars around 5 a.m.

More than a half dozen vehicles were hit, but the count continues to climb.

"You work hard for your money and no one expects to come out and see their car broken into," said Robin Hinson of Germantown.

Hinson had her car window smashed though nothing was taken. But other victims weren't as fortunate.

"Several wallets and credit cards and small items have been received and we continue to track down victims as we investigate this case," said Captain John Craig with Northwest Detectives.

Investigators said a witness heard one break-in and called police reporting that a white Dodge Ram pickup may be involved. Officers canvassed the area and spotted the truck on the 300 block of Walnut Street.

"After a foot pursuit one of these offenders was taken into custody without incident," said Capt. Craig. "Two offenders were able to elude police."

Capt. Craig said the truck had been stolen in the far Northeast overnight.

In 2024, there have been 7,500 thefts from vehicles, which is down citywide from roughly 8,900 at this time last year.

Our data analysis showed the 14th district, which encompasses Germantown, has been flat with 427 so far this year.

Bret Baldwin awoke to two vehicles in front of his home on Walnut among the targeted. He feels fortunate his car wasn't one of them.

"I live right across the street from a preschool," said Baldwin. "Like, it's terrifying. You don't think it will happen to you."

While most parts of the city are down for thefts from vehicles, our data analysis found the western part of Center City has seen a huge increase - up more than 75%.

Police are urging vehicle owners not to leave behind valuables in your car.