Frustration in Fishtown after recent burglaries

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Businesses in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood are on alert following a rash of recent burglaries they believe are connected.

Now neighbors are banding together.

"The businesses, we've all been able to communicate and warn each other and disseminate information," said Stephanie Irwin.

Irwin runs a farmers' market out of a warehouse in the neighborhood. Early Monday morning, she says someone cut the locks and got inside, stealing about $1,000 in items, including power tools.

"If you're a local business or for someone who lives in the immediate area, lock up your truck, lock up your vans, lock up your business, and make sure you have surveillance on it," Irwin said.

Philadelphia police also confirm a break-in early Thursday morning at a coffee shop nearby. A cash register and $400 were reported stolen.

There's concern that the same suspect could be behind both crimes. Some also wonder if a group of people is at work.

"The amount of items that were taken, there's no way one person could've carried that out," said Chad Dravk, who owns a skate shop in the same area.

He says burglars hit his business in June, soon after he moved in, stealing clothes, shoes and power tools from his basement.

It served as wake-up call.

"We have an alarm system, we have all these security measures, everything's locked up nice and tight. It just put us back on our toes," Dravk said.

The burglaries have been reported between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Police said their investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686TIPS.