Philadelphia police are actively investigating at least three recent burglaries that involved criminals ramming cars into local vape shops to steal merchandise. The incidents occurred at Culebra Snack & Vape on North Front Street in the Hunting Park neighborhood and at Smoker’s Palace on Keystone Street in Wissinoming.
Details of the attacks
According to surveillance video, the first attempt to force entry at Smoker’s Palace failed when a vehicle struck the front door without breaking the glass. A second vehicle then slammed into the storefront, shattering the glass and triggering the store’s security alarm at roughly 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Inside the shop, the thieves quickly checked the cash registers, found no money, and proceeded to pull boxes of Backwoods cigars and True Wraps cigar wrappers off the back shelves. The entire robbery lasted about thirty seconds before the perpetrators fled the scene.
Witness comments
Customer Steve Pruzinsky, who was nearby, said, “It’s wild, I’m not surprised though. Cigarettes, anything quick, you know.” Another patron, Tone Griffin, expressed concern for the shop owner, noting, “You’re taking away not much, and then you’re causing a lot of damage to this fella’s shop. I’m sure he has insurance, but at the same time this is something he put his hard work, sweat and tears into.”
Impact on the businesses
Culebra Snack & Vape was hit twice last week—once on Tuesday morning and again on Friday—when a vehicle was driven into its front doors. In response, the shop has installed sturdy bollards in front of the building to deter future attacks.
Both businesses have reported that the stolen items were popular among their customers, underscoring the financial loss beyond the physical damage to the storefronts.
Police response
Investigators are working to determine how many individuals were involved and whether the incidents are linked. The police department is urging anyone with additional video footage or information to come forward.
These crimes highlight the importance of protecting private property and supporting local business owners who contribute to the fabric of Philadelphia neighborhoods. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
