PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia police held a press conference Thursday to put the word out about two investigations involving a series of car vandalisms and thefts to happen across the city.
The first incident happened around 4:15 in the morning in the Logan section of the city, as some 16 cars had their windows smashed.
Police said it happened on North 12th Street near its intersection with West Loudon Street.
Surveillance video obtained by police shows a man leaning out of the passenger side of a black Honda sedan and breaking the windows before driving off.
Police Inspector Ray Evers said police do not know why the car windows were broken.
“We’re not sure exactly why this happened; nothing was taken from the vehicles,” he said.
Evers said he’s also spoken to the police captain in the 35th district, who told him there hasn’t been any domestic issues or neighbor problems on the block of late.
Officials said the car was last seen driving south on Camac Street, near Ruscomb Street.
The second series of incidents detailed by police at the press conference was the theft of wheels and tires from a number of vehicles in Center City, Northern Liberties, Old City and South Philly.
Evers said there is a trend with the current slate of car part thefts.
“We know very distinctly what their targets are. They’re Honda products — Honda Accord, Civic, and CRVs are being targeted by the offenders,” he said.
Evers also said reported car part thefts are down this year in Philadelphia on the whole, at around 270 so far this year.
Philadelphia Police’s Major Crimes Unit said it believes three to five groups are working separately to strip cars across the city. Officials said the groups drive up to targeted vehicles in a stolen car and take a couple minutes to strip the vehicle of wheels and tires. Those wheels and tires are then sold on to second-hand tire shops or over social media.
Evers said district captains are increasing resources in the affected areas overnight. Police are also looking into who is purchasing the stolen goods.
As for safety, police recommend parking in well-lit areas, close to the curb, and to purchase wheel locks or make potential adjustments to your car alarm system.
