Vacant Philly home secured after neighbors report crime and disturbances
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Neighbors in Philadelphia's West Oak Lane section say a vacant home that had become a source of crime and disruption is being secured after months of complaints and city intervention.
Residents said a longtime homeowner died, the property later became vacant and eventually attracted unauthorized occupants.
Neighbors reported suspected drug activity, prostitution, fights, theft and other problems at the home in the 7500 block of Briar Road.
"I've found needles in the alleyway. I've found people sleeping in my backyard, it's been a lot going on," said neighbor Daneika Tucker.
Tucker said she hopes the problems surrounding the property have finally come to an end. Neighbors said the vacant house was taken over by strangers and became a persistent nuisance for the block.
"I've had sneakers, clothes, even down to my baby wipes and diapers stolen," Tucker said.
A video posted by 9th District Councilmember Anthony Phillips on Wednesday showed Philadelphia police clearing the property after the Department of Licenses and Inspections responded, and PECO permanently shut off power to the home.
Photos taken before the latest enforcement action showed a broken back door and accumulating trash and debris around the property.
Residents said they spent months reporting concerns to the city before the complaints reached Phillips' office earlier this summer and he was able to expedite help for residents.
"This is an emergency; they do not feel safe in their community," Phillips said. "We need to get in right away."
According to Phillips, the home had already been sealed once by Licenses and Inspections, but unauthorized occupants broke back into the property, prompting inspectors to return while police were on scene Wednesday.
"The next step is we're going to put cement boarding around this entire house so there will be no possibility of anyone returning to this home," Phillips said.
Phillips said the issue is not unique to the neighborhood, but added that such conditions will not be tolerated in his district.
For Tucker, the changes have already made a difference.
"I've been having peace for two days now they been gone," she said.
Police said one person was arrested for trespassing on Wednesday. Officers will continue monitoring the property to ensure no one returns.
