1. Crime ring leader in grab-and-go retail thefts
2. Philadelphia Center City and Montgomery County arrest.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Two additional suspects have been apprehended in connection with a series of grab-and-go thefts that have plagued Philadelphia’s Center City and suburban Montgomery County. Police have confirmed that there are still seven individuals at large who are believed to be involved in these criminal activities.
The alleged mastermind of the operation, 19-year-old Janiyah Robinson, is among those now in custody, according to law enforcement officials. The other suspect, identified as 24-year-old Ayonna Robinson, has also been taken into police custody. It is unclear at this time whether the two women are related.
Authorities have revealed that Janiyah Robinson recruited individuals without prior criminal records, including young people, teenagers, and shockingly, even a 9-year-old, to participate in the thefts.
The crime spree has targeted over 20 high-end stores in locations such as Ardmore, King of Prussia, and Center City. Police disclosed these details during a press conference held on Tuesday.
The group’s primary focus has been on Lululemon stores, where they execute swift operations, entering with trash bags to quickly fill them with valuable merchandise before making a rapid escape within minutes.
The thefts, which date back to November 2023, have resulted in approximately $75,000 in losses for the targeted businesses.
The thieves have targeted a Lululemon store in Lower Merion Township’s Suburban Square, where they made off with approximately $10,000 worth of items. The heist involved around four individuals rushing in to grab as much merchandise as possible before fleeing the scene.
Similar incidents have occurred at the King of Prussia Mall in Upper Merion Township, where the thieves managed to steal goods valued at around $20,000. In one instance, a member of the group deployed pepper spray to facilitate their escape with high-end items from Givenchy.
Additionally, the Lululemon store on Walnut Street in Center City was targeted by the criminal ring, resulting in losses of at least $40,000 across multiple incidents.
Law enforcement officials have stated that the stolen merchandise is typically sold at local establishments or online by the perpetrators.
To deter individuals from engaging in similar criminal activities, authorities have set a substantial bail amount of $180,000 for those involved in the theft ring.
Inspector Ray Evans of the Philadelphia Police Department emphasized the importance of imposing harsh penalties, stating, “It sends a very strong message that if you engage in retail theft as part of an organized group, you will face severe consequences.”
For more information on neighborhood safety and crime prevention, visit the 6abc Neighborhood Safety Tracker
Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
.
– Alleged crime ring leader
– Grab-and-go retail thefts in Philadelphia’s Center City and Montgomery County.
