Girl gang commits subway robberies

By Liz Wagner
Collegian Editor
January 23, 2008

A large gang of up to 20 female juveniles committed four subway robberies Jan. 15, resulting in an increased plain-clothes police presence and the issuing of a security report by La Salle Safety and Security. A spokesperson for SEPTA said that since the increased police presence there have been no more incidents of the sort.

“No incidents have occurred since [then],” SEPTA spokesperson Jim Whitaker said. “We’ve taken care of the problem.”

According to the report, the incidents occurred between 4 and 6 p.m. and half were contained in the area between the Olney and Erie subway stops on the Broad Street Line. It also said the gang is mostly using intimidation to steal electronic devices from other juveniles on their way home from school.

The report was released Jan. 16 after the Philadelphia Police Department notified La Salle of the incidents.

Since the first incident, there has been an increased police presence on the subways, primarily SEPTA forces, but also Philadelphia Police. Both undercover and uniformed officers are reported to be riding the subway.

Freshman biology/pre-med major John Purcell noted the presence of uniformed officers.

“I had never really noticed any real security before, and it truly shocked me to see a police officer not just in the station, but on the trains,” Purcell said.

Since most of the victims were juveniles, Central High School also had need for concern over the past week.

“We talked to every grade level and try to help them understand ways to be safe,” said Jackie Betof, Central’s Assistant Principal. “We’re also in constant contact with SEPTA, the 39th District and La Salle.”

La Salle’s safety advisory emphasized that students should travel in groups, ride in the subway car closest to the train operator and report any suspicious activity to security. In addition, Director of Safety and Security Art Grover also advised students to use the La Salle shuttles and escorts whenever possible.         

Both Grover and Whitaker also recommended that subwaytravelers should not display items that can be easily taken during a robbery. Whitaker specifically warned against displaying iPods, cell phones, money, dangly earrings and other small electronics and valuables that are “easy to snatch.”

Students seem undaunted in their subway travels.

“The situation doesn’t really scare me,” said freshman communication/English major Bethany Hogan. “The same safety issues will exist whether there’s an actual security report or not. You just need to be careful no matter what.”

wagnere1@lasalle.edu