Philadelphia police have released CCTV footage of a group of masked men using a crowbar and axes to break into a pharmacy and steal medication worth $150,000. The incident, which occurred on 26 September, shows the suspects forcing open the store's shutter and door before ransacking shelves and stuffing bottles into pockets and baskets.
The robbery is part of a surge in retail thefts across the city, with over 80 businesses targeted in recent weeks. On the same night, a Dunkin' Donuts was burgled, and an Apple Store, Foot Locker, and Lululemon were looted in coordinated raids. Police have charged 72 people in connection with the Apple Store theft, including five minors and 67 adults.
Among those charged is Dayjia 'Meatball' Blackwell, 21, who livestreamed the looting on Instagram. She later wept during booking, and her grandmother expressed shame. The looting spree followed protests over the dismissal of charges against police officer Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry in August.
Philadelphia police are appealing for public help to identify the pharmacy robbers, who were all wearing dark hoodies and sweatpants. The department reports a 20.75% increase in crime this year compared to last.
