The Roosevelt Boulevard corridor in the Far Northeast has become a magnet for smash-and-grab-style commercial burglars in recent days, according to Philadelphia police.
Detectives have released a surveillance photo of an unknown man who they believe committed at least three of the crimes and is suspected in five others.
There were five break-ins late Saturday or early Sunday between the 8200 and 10000 blocks of the Boulevard. All occurred on the southbound or west side of the 12-lane U.S. highway.
Investigators figure that the crimes occurred sometime between 10 and 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. The sites included Happy Garden restaurant at 9916, Angela’s Pizza at 9918 and Fat Jack’s BBQ at 10090. The burglar did not gain entry to the Happy Garden and made off from Angela’s Pizza empty-handed. Fat Jack’s reported losses of $225 cash and one stolen cash register, along with a severely damaged second register.
At about 6:15 the following morning, burglaries occurred at Adams Fabricare Cleaners, 8206 Roosevelt Blvd., as well as Big Al’s Pizza, at 8212 Roosevelt Blvd. The businesses each reported losses of about $100 cash.
Three similar burglaries occurred early on June 6 on the opposite side of the Boulevard. Security cameras filmed the suspect at all three businesses.
At about 6:05 a.m., someone stole $150 from Via Napoli Restaurant, 2500 Welsh Road. About 40 minutes later, someone broke into East King Buffet, at 9171 Roosevelt Blvd., and stole $650. Ten minutes after that, Asante Market, at 2477 Grant Ave., was burglarized. The proprietor reported that $185 was taken.
Police describe the suspect as black, 40 to 50 years old, tall and thin. He had a thin gray moustache and goatee, and wore a dark jeff cap and short sleeve shirt. He carried a school bag with a shoulder strap.
Call Northeast Detectives at 215–686–3153 to report information about the crimes. ••
