PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — On Monday, Philadelphia authorities released a series of surveillance videos looking to identify those involved in the looting that broke out last week after a judge dismissed charges against former police officer Mark Dial in the shooting death of Eddie Irizarry.
The videos all play out similarly.
In one, a large group breaks through a metal gate and shatters glass doors at P.C. Richard and Sons on Cottman Avenue, taking TVs and other electronics. In another, a group is seen going into the Super Drug Pharmacy on 2941 North 5th Street and grabbing whatever they can.
And at an Apple store on 607 Walnut Street a group forced their way in as employees were trying to leave and stole phones, laptops and tablets. People also broke into a Target, Rite Aide, Walgreens, Family Dollar, Dunkin', several liquor stores and a beauty shop. Videos and more information can be found here.
District Attorney Larry Krasner says so far 72 people have been charged, including five juveniles. Some of those arrested face burglary charges while others face misdemeanors.
“There’s people smashing windows and going into properties that are, for the most part, closed,” he explained. “We are talking about burglary, we are talking about criminal trespass, we are talking about people who see an opportunity, the window is already smashed, they go in and take t-shirts, they take shoes, they take Lululemon tights or whatever it is.”
Police believe the looting was organized on social media and hope the public will leave tips at 215-686-8477 or on their website.
The city is also offering some services to help small business owners reestablish themselves and get back up and running.