Suspect wanted for burglarizing at least 1 home in East Falls; neighbors on edge

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are looking for a man who has been captured creeping around the East Falls neighborhood, and even getting inside at least one home.

The suspect was caught multiple times on surveillance video throughout East Falls. Detectives believe he could be connected to several burglary and theft cases in the area.

"I'm afraid he's going to come in when somebody's sleeping and then it's going to be a problem," said Rich Ennis of East Falls.

One of the first cases was reported at Ennis' son's home.

Video captured the wanted man outside a home on the 3300 block of Creswell Street back on May 7. Surveillance followed the suspect's movements as he returned with a bike and left with a case of water at the front door.

"There was a ladder in the yard. He put the ladder up on the kitchen roof, climbed up and tried to get in the bedroom. But the windows were all locked, so he didn't get in there," said Ennis.

He wasn't successful there, but a few minutes away on Frederick Street, police say, he was.

A neighbor shared a photo from home security showing the suspect inside his home. The neighbor tells Action News he entered the home through a window and was recorded eating the homeowner's food.

John Howie says he believes the same suspect was spotted rummaging through his backyard last week.

"He didn't take anything, but definitely took his time seeing what I had, then he just kind of moved up the block," said Howie.

For Candace Johnson, she says this invasion of privacy is unsettling.

"You have Kelly Drive, you see people running and jogging with the kids. You see a lot of kids around here playing so you know. I just didn't expect for that to happen here," said Johnson.

Johnson says she's even more alert, especially after her car was stolen two weeks ago.

"It's just been a lot going on," said Johnson. "I don't know if it's like all the businesses bringing different people around because I thought this was a good neighborhood."

Police say they need the public's help identifying the suspect.

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