On July 2, Tacony CDC staff and Tacony Business Owners met with officers from the 15th Philadelphia Police District to discuss safety concerns on Torresdale Avenue. Officers answered questions about crime on the Avenue and provided tips and resources for businesses experiencing issues with shoplifting. The officers also provided us with 5 Police Logs to be distributed to businesses that signed up to receive them. With the logs in place at Evergreen Grocery, Marie Huff Hair Salon, Kavanaugh's Tobacco, Diallo Dollar, and Ruby Beauty Supply, patrolling officers will have a more visible presence on Torresdale Avenue. We also discussed challenges facing the 15th District, which is the largest in the city.
Police are now issuing warrants and making arrests at a felony level for shoplifters no matter the value of the theft. If you receive a subpoena for having witnessed a theft, you must attend court for the person to be prosecuted. If you are a business owner and notice someone shoplifting, officers suggest taking the following steps:
1. Do not try to stop them, instead take a photo that clearly shows their face
2. Call 911 immediately, find something that stands out about the person and use it to describe them to dispatchers
3. If police are not able to come right away, call multiple times. If you have to close your business before they arrive, you can always make a report in person at 2831 Levick St
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