W. Philly PSA: Increase In Crime, Car Break-Ins

Not citing any official statistics, but my girlfriend and I have noticed a large increase in car break-ins recently. We live in W. Phily and have noticed, especially up and down Pine St., as well as on various cross-streets between 40th and 50th (E + W) and Chestnut and Baltimore that there have been an alarming abundance of break-ins on cars, especially out-of-state cars. Typically, a rear side window is smashed out, although I've seen some front windows as well. Usually stolen goods appear to be stereos as well as the contents of the glove-box.

It doesn't help that a majority of these cars are those left in the area by individuals looking for a parking spot that doesn't have a meter; hence, they leave there car in the same spot for days, sometimes weeks at a time.

So if you park frequently in W. Philly, please do not leave any valuables in your car, don't leave anything in sight, and if you have removable faceplates for after-market stereos, take them with you unless you want to come back to a car, minus one window and driving tunes.

Also, there have been red flyers posted on poles up and down Pine alerting people to an increase in physical crime, specifically robberies. If you're walking that area at night, please try to walk with at least one other person and pay close attention to your surroundings. If someone tries to engage you, either for directions, money, the time, whatever, please be cautious as there are mean people who really don't want your help; they simply want your money and other personal effects.

Of course, if you do get stuck in a sticky situation, try to remain calm, don't fight back unless you absolutely have to, and just give them whatever they want. Your life is not worth your cellphone, your iPod, or whatever money and credit cards you have on you. Those are all replaceable and we'd rather have back again to you enjoy your travels in our neighborhood, our restaurants, bars, and eateries.

Thank you.

-- Phillybits