PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating a series of vehicle vandalisms and theft from auto incidents that have occurred throughout Center City in recent months. The department is urging residents and business owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Since May 2024, multiple clusters of vehicle vandalisms have been reported, primarily involving broken car windows and thefts from vehicles. These incidents have occurred in the following areas:
- May 23, 2024 2900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue
- May 30, 2024 2600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue
- June 16, 2024 200 block of Brown Street
- June 21, 2024 700 block of North 5th Street (Arrest Made)
- July 22, 2024 600 block of North 19th Street
- July 23, 2024 700 block of North 22nd Street
- July 26, 2024 2100 block of Walden Street
- July 27, 2024 400 and 500 blocks of North Front Street
- July 28, 2024 2200 block of Sansom Street
Following the investigation into the vandalisms and car thefts on the 700 block of North 5th Street, detectives identified and arrested Isaac Tate on July 13, 2024, in connection with multiple theft from autos on North 5th Street and the 1200 block of North 7th Street.
Detectives are working diligently to identify suspects in the remaining cases and are asking people who live in these areas to check their cameras and come forward if they see anything that may be related to these incidents. Surveillance video from several of the incidents has been obtained and is being analyzed.
The Philadelphia Police Department encourages residents to take precautions to protect their vehicles, including parking in well-lit areas, removing valuables from sight, and considering anti-theft devices.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Central Detective Division at (215) 686-3093 or call the police department’s anonymous tip line at (215) 686-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted online at
www.phillypolice.com.