Philadelphia police increase presence, businesses brace after social media reports of looting

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Officers were out Wednesday night making sure Philadelphia stayed safe after reports of looting and protests surfaced on social media.

“We’re being very, very cautious,” Philadelphia Police Chief Kevin Bethel said. “Make sure we protect our communities across the city, not just here in Center City.”

Authorities say they were prepared for possible disruptions as Election Day came and went.

“There was some expectation that we would get some response wherever the election took place, and so we are prepared,” Bethel said.

Action News was on Market Street when officers dispersed a crowd of youths wearing all black around 8:30 p.m.

Two people were arrested in that incident.

“I ask parents to get their youth involved because if anyone engages in negative activities, we will take appropriate action,” Bethel said.

Several units were also stationed near shops that had been looted in the past.

“As I come back on board, the department has learned a number of lessons from previous activities. They have a very strong plan that I fully support,” said Bethel.

In Hunting Park, police said about a dozen youths tried to break into DTLR on Germantown Avenue but were unsuccessful.

“We have some as opportunists, people who are taking advantage of something and are just trying to maybe cause damage or destroy property,” Bethel said.

In Center City on Walnut Street, the New Balance store was boarded up as staff prepared to protect Pandora. On Chestnut Street, security guards stood outside Foot Locker.

Some businesses even had a sign on the door saying it was closed early, such as LuLu Lemon and J Crew in Center City, as well as businesses on Aramingo Avenue in Port Richmond.

Officers also surrounded City Hall as the Socialist Alternative and Revolutionary Communists of America protested peacefully.

“We are here to start a mass movement against Trump’s right-wing agenda and stop his mass deportation program,” said protester Eric Jenkins.

“We are ready, but we hope this remains a peaceful process,” Bethel said.