Suspects sought for crime spree in Philadelphia, suburbs

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are searching for two armed robbers who have struck businesses in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.

They're wanted for at least five crimes in the city alone.

Surveillance video captures them armed with guns, in some cases wearing masks, terrorizing employees at area convenience stores.

"They are using a semi-automatic handgun that is similar in all the robberies, so that is another reason we know these are all connected," said Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum of Northeast Detectives.

Detectives believe the robberies happened between September 24 and October 11. The criminals have targeted several convenience stores in Northeast Philadelphia and also several in Bucks and Delaware counties.

"Detectives, we communicate across the lines. You might have a road that divides us, but we all communicate. After looking at some of the video, we all reached out to each other and said 'I think we have the same person, two persons doing these robberies,'" Rosenbaum said.

So far, investigators don't have any good leads but they're hoping that by releasing surveillance images, someone will recognize the criminals and call police. In each robbery, officers say the crooks are after the same thing.

"They demand cash and cigarettes. In some cases they get more cigarettes, in some cases they didn't get any money, so that's why we are concerned and we really want to get these guys off the street," Rosenbaum said.

Police believe the robbers are selling those cigarettes illegally.

As the race continues to get these robbers off the streets, police are confident it's the same duo responsible for the recent crime spree.

"They are using the same clothes, the geographical area, the same backpack. Some of them they do try to make a purchase and pull a gun out at the last minute. That is why we think they are related," said Rosenbaum.

No injuries have been reported.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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