Philadelphia Police Warn Mayfair Residents About Recent Vandalism

By Jericka Duncan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia Police spent Monday afternoon warning residents in Mayfair about recent vandalism in the area.

Police went door to door on Aldine and Teesdale streets where dozens of tires were slashed for the second time in this week and on February 5th, vandals spray painted several cars in the neighborhood (see related story).

"Somebody in this neighborhood knows something," said Capt. Frank Bachmayer of the 15th Police District.

Capt. Frank Bachmayer says in the last two weeks at least 30 people on Aldine and Teesdale streets have had their tires slashed. Tracie Semande on Aldine Street replaced three tires in December, January and last week.

"They're doing it in the middle of the night," Semande explained. "We wake up we come out and we have flat tires."

Her neighbor across the street Marty Costello, says it's not just tires.

"Actually they sliced it from here," said Costello as he pulled back the black tape covering the top of his corvette.

"It's a shame, everyone around here works hard," said Costello.

Costello says the community is changing for the worse. People are fed up with the increasing incidents of crime.

In January, a man was shot in front of a Dollar Store in Holmesburg. Earlier this month a 28-year-old was to death on Arthur Street.

According to police the 15th District, which includes Frankford, Tacony, Mayfair and Holmesburg, has seen an increase in burglaries, with around 1,000 reported in 2010 and almost 12-hundred last year.

"We have our challenges," said Capt. Frank Bachmayer with the 15th police district. He said most of the burglaries are abandoned properties in which people are after copper.

Capt. Bachmayer pointed out that some violent crimes are down.

"We used to lead the city in robberies, but last year robberies were down 15 percent."

Police say easing fears about crime takes time. They're trying to change negative perceptions that some neighbors have, especially the dozens of people who've lost patience with losing tires.

If you have any information about the recent series of vandalisms call Northeast Detectives at 215-686-3153 or you can email tips to NEburglary@yahoo.com