PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police are investigating a burglary spree in Southwest Philadelphia. The same two men have broken into at least three corner shops through sidewalk cellar doors and took thousands of dollars in merchandise, according to investigators.
In each case, store cameras captured video of two masked men around 4 or 5 a.m. They are seen opening the cellar doors and sliding down into the basement areas. Once inside, they go through the shelves and fill large trash bags.
Police said in all, they have taken about $15,000 in cash and items.
The first burglary happened on Sept. 25 at Uceta Grocery, located 61st Street and Elmwood Avenue. Then on Oct. 11, they broke into the E&D Market at 66th Street and Buist Avenue. According to the last incident documented by police on Oct. 13, the suspects burglarized the T&P Food Market at 71st Street and Woodland Avenue.
Surveillance video
“We enforced the doors on the side. We changed the locks and we check, more often, the cameras,” a store employee told NBC10, describing changes made in the aftermath of the burglary.
Anyone with information is asked to call or text a tip at 215-686-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online.