'Just destroyed': Philly-area roofer's home ransacked by burglars during vacation
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Philadelphia-area roofer known in the community for giving back is picking up the pieces after a destructive burglary at his home.
The burglars made off with a long list of valuables and even several weapons.
"All my firearms are missing, jewelry, some of my daughter's jewelry, some of my clothes," said Lawless. "Just a bunch of things. We don't even know what's all missing yet. They destroyed my whole house."
Lawless says it was his sister who discovered the mess. She was checking on his pets while he was on a family vacation in Wildwood, New Jersey.
"She was just at a loss for words and said, 'Joey, somebody robbed your house.' She flipped the camera. My whole entire house is just destroyed," said Lawless. "You don't expect your stuff to be gone like that. This is your home. This is where you keep your safe things. Things you love and your valuables."
It all started Tuesday afternoon. According to Philadelphia police, it was around 1 p.m. when an unknown person first entered his Frankford-area home.
Hours later, home surveillance captured three masked men in his backyard.
"My wife went through the cameras and we seen three masked men jump the fence, open the window, come through the back window, open the front door, then three guys went in with their guns and raided the house," said Lawless.
Action News first met Lawless, the popular owner of local roofing company JRL Roofing, in April after he gave a free new roof to a 75-year-old who needed repairs.
It's just one of the many ways he says he gives back.
"We do a lot for the community. We post a lot on social media. Could be anyone watching and seeing and thinking we have money or nice things," said Lawless. "I'm not in the streets or nothing like that; I work every day, hard for my family. I wasn't expecting my house to get robbed like that, especially with guys with handguns possibly hurt somebody."
When asked if he feels safe at his home of 8-years, Lawless says no.
"Definitely moving, and I won't be posting anything privately at my house ever again," said Lawless.
A spokesperson for Philadelphia police confirmed they are investigating the burglary.
Lawless is offering a $1,000 cash reward for anyone who has useful information.
