Rock-wielding suspect sought for multiple burglaries in Germantown

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police need your help identifying a suspect connected to at least five burglaries in Germantown.

Investigators say the break-ins happened between September 23 and October 31.

The incidents were reported on Wayne Avenue, West Chelten Avenue, Germantown Avenue, East Armat Street and West Coulter Street.

Police say the suspect uses a rock to smash through windows.

He has also been spotted pushing a shopping cart with black trash bags through the streets after the burglaries. Police add that the man wears a distinctive leather hat.

The businesses that have been hit include a coffee shop, a dance studio, a Family Dollar, a school and a homeless shelter - all within a half mile of each other.

"It appears the offender knows when to hit, he knows what to hit, and he seems to have some sort of plan when he goes in," said Capt. John Craig of Northwest Detectives.

Investigators say he carried out the crimes between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

"Grabbed a rock, threw it through the window, climbed through and kind of just wrecked it up. Took whatever he could," said Kristen Clark of Kinesics Dance Dynamics.

Clark's business was hit on October 13. She says the man caused $18,000 in damage right before their annual party.

"I was discouraged. It was the week before a really big event - it was the GAD block party coming up. So we had a lot of stuff inside we needed for the event," she said.

No new break-ins have been reported in the last two weeks, but police are concerned he's not done with his crime spree.

"We're always concerned this could happen again. We haven't apprehended him so we're pretty confident he would attempt again," said Capt. Craig.

Police are stepping up patrols in the area and are asking the public to be on the lookout for this man.

Anyone with information is asked to call or text police at 215-686-TIPS (8477).