Police warn of rash of gunpoint robberies in Old City

OLD CITY (WPVI) -- In the upscale Old City neighborhood, there is a sense of unease this holiday season.

"Everyone is a little worried because we have heard about it and it's the shopping season, so most people coming home at night, coming home from work, the last thing you want to worry about is walking down the street with a bag of gifts and have a gun pointed at your face," resident John Norton said.

Across the neighborhood signs are posted warning people about the nearly half dozen robberies over the past two weeks.

The suspect hit three times on the night of December 13th then twice within an hour five days later. In all of the crimes a gun was used; the suspect got away with cash, wallets, purses, and cell phones.

"It just kind of put me on edge and made me think twice about walking through the neighborhood at night," resident Jen Marianni said.

"We just want people to be aware of it and to be aware of their surroundings and if you see someone who looks strange or looks like they are up to something don't hesitate to call 911," Philadelphia Police Lt. John Stanford said.

Police only have a vague description of the suspect.

They are stepping up patrols in the area hoping to prevent another statistic to this recent rash of gunpoint robberies.

"Anytime you face someone who is armed with a handgun, we don't want you to fight, the best thing to do is give them what they are asking for," Stanford said.

All of the victims did just that and none of them was injured.