Action News first reported that police have received reports of five burglaries last month, 13 in the last two weeks alone - all in homes and apartments around Rittenhouse Square. Police had a string of similar break-ins this time last year, but made arrests. Now, a new set of suspects is targeting Rittenhouse residents again.
Then Tuesday came word that there were 2 more burglaries in a small apartment building in the 2000 block of Spruce and an alert resident sounded the alarm.
Police are trying to solve the spike in residential burglaries around Rittenhouse Square but they could use the public's help. First, identifying two men captured on surveillance tape who could be among any number of suspects. Police say the two men walked right into a building behind some construction workers.
All the burglaries have happened in the neighborhood surrounding Rittenhouse Square from 17th to 21st Streets and Chestnut to Pine Streets. The suspects sneak inside using all sorts of methods.
Philadelphia Police Captain Dennis Wilson tells us, "We have a couple where the front door has been forced by either a screwdriver or something similar to a screwdriver. We had a couple where they gained entry off a window off a fire escape."
And the suspects are swiping small items.
"We are getting a lot of laptops and jewelry. They're not taking big items."
Police want Rittenhouse area residents to be on alert. Lock doors and immediately report anyone in or around homes or buildings who doesn't belong or seems to be acting suspiciously.
Most of the break-ins are happening during the day while people are at work. In many cases, police can find no evidence of forced entry, which makes them believe the suspects might use a credit card or a small tool to pick the lock. One other problem, victims are waiting to report the burglaries. Again, call 911 if you see something suspicious or become the victim of a crime.
