Tips Help Police Close Separate Cases

Because of tips from Roxborough residents, Philadelphia Police successfully arrested two suspected thieves in early September, according to police.

At civic association meetings over the last week, Community Relations Officer Charles Kline detailed recent burglaries and arrests that were triggered by residents' tips.

On 5600 Henry Ave. Sept. 6, a man kicked down the front door of a home and burglarized it. He escaped through an alley way with bushes. 

"A neighbor there noticed him, thought something was suspicious and called it in..." Kline said. "Police came out, and he was hiding in the bushes."

Although police did not release his name, Kline said police connected the burglar to two other home invasions. Kline did say the burglar lived outside Roxborough.

In Shawmont, Kline said six thefts from autos occurred on 400 Evergreen Ave. Similarly, tips from neighbors led to an arrest.

"When we get help from the public, we can do better. Like that lady calling on Henry Avenue. He cleared three jobs on that," he said.

Before the crimes happen, however, Kline said resident can be their own best defense.

"These people come into the neighborhood because they know people are leaving things in their cars. Leaving cell phones, computers, CDs. Some of these cars are unlocked, the windows are down," he said.

Where cars particularly get hit hard, Kline said, is on Bells Mill Road, near Wissahickon Valley Park.

"People are getting out of their cars and leaving their purses in their trucks. But (the thieves) are sitting up in the woods watching," he said.

Another resident said at the Ridge Park Civic Association Thursday that runners at Roxborough High School Track also casually leave their belongs unattended.

The police encourage residents to utilize the police department's tip line via phone 215-686-TIPS (8477), text message PPDTIP (773847), or—if people have photo or video—email to tips@phillypolice.com.

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