One gas station owner in Philadelphia has had his fill of retail thefts in his store and took matters into his own hands by hiring armed security to protect his store.
Crime in America’s metropolitan areas has quickly gotten out of control after its spiral began in 2020 during the George Floyd Protests.
While retail theft, both by individuals and organized retail crime syndicates, has grown immensely in these cities, the police and the legislative response has not been swift or strong enough to curb the rise in crime.
Neil Patel, the owner of a Karco gas station, spoke to FOX29 about his decision to hire Pennsylvania S.I.T.E. agents to defend his store.
“They are forcing us to hire the security, high-level security, state level. We are tired of this nonsense; robbery, drug trafficking, hanging around, gangs.”
Patel says that the turning point for him was when his business was vandalized and even had an ATM machine stolen by a group of young people. This led him to hire security, not only for himself but also for the safety of his neighbors and their property.
“I listen to them, but according to some people, violent people, they carry the guns, they’re not afraid of them? This is the protection for the neighborhood and the customers.”
Andre Boyer, a member of the PA S.I.T.E. Agency, had this to say on an Instagram post about the matter.
“Citizens now realise Philadelphia law enforcement and city council leaders as well as the mayor’s office. Just don’t have a clue or the answers to combat this growing ticking bomb that’s just increasing along with the shootings and homicides in Philadelphia. Make no mistake folks, it’s dangerous out here. It’s the wild wild west In Killadelphia.”
Jason Martinez from FOX29 took to Twitter to ask the community how this made them feel, and many are on board with the plan to bolster security.
“A North Philly owner says he’s had enough violent crime at his gas station so he’s hired these guys to protect his customers and store.
Does this make you feel safer? Or uncomfortable.”
A North Philly owner says he’s had enough violent crime at his gas station so he’s hired these guys to protect his customers and store.
Does this make you feel safer? Or uncomfortable. pic.twitter.com/ZOXvUxTvyW
— Jason Martinez (@JasonFox29) December 6, 2022
A few users responded by saying that it made them feel safer, here is what they wrote.
“Being in an area with such high crime that this is necessary would make me feel uncomfortable, but the addition of trained security guards would make me feel safer.” – Kristina Wong from Breitbart News.
Being in an area with such high crime that this is necessary would make me feel uncomfortable, but the addition of trained security guards would make me feel safer.
— Kristina Wong 🇺🇸 (@kristina_wong) December 6, 2022
“@PhillyMayor and @DA_LarryKrasner have given Philadelphia to the criminals. Residents are taking their protection into their own hands.” – The NRA.
@PhillyMayor and @DA_LarryKrasner have given Philadelphia to the criminals. Residents are taking their protection into their own hands.
— NRA (@NRA) December 7, 2022
“I’d appreciate the company while I’m pumping gas lol “will you watch my back while I run inside for a snack? Thanks!”” – Shawna Lenee.
I’d appreciate the company while I’m pumping gas lol 😂 “will you watch my back while I run inside for a snack? Thanks!”
— 🦃 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐚 (@ShawnaLeneeShow) December 6, 2022
Image credit: screengrab from Twitter
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