Shattered windows and doors have become a common sight for several businesses along Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia after a recent string of vandalism incidents.
One business owner said they believe the person behind the recent incidents is the same vandal who has repeatedly targeted her property with a pickaxe.
Surveillance video obtained by NBC10 shows a suspect smashing glass doors and windows around 3 a.m. on Thursday, April 2. Another video from Monday, March 30, shows a masked person breaking a different section of a door.
The owner of CKO Kickboxing said her business has been hit four times since mid-February. Instead of focusing on clients, she said she’s spent weeks cleaning up broken glass and securing the property.
“I have to live my life going crazy every day and trying to run a business and teach members and still service my clients who still wanna come here,” she said.
The owner also described a daytime incident in which a woman smashed a window while a class was in session.
“When vandalism turns into violence when people are present, that’s a whole other level to me so I don’t know if we’re waiting for her to hit somebody with a pickaxe until something is done but it’s bizarre. I feel like I live in bizarre land,” the owner said.
Philadelphia police confirmed a woman was previously detained in connection with that vandalism incident and was placed on a temporary involuntary psychiatric hold. She was later released.
Investigators are now working to determine whether she is connected to the most recent incidents. Police have also been seen stationed along Oregon Avenue.
Mark Chu, who owns Oregon Beauty, said he has also been a victim of the vandal, as well as the owners of a neighboring pizza shop.
“The police called and they said someone smashed the door. That’s why we came in earlier,” Chu said.
Other businesses in the area, including a Dollar Tree and a paint store, have also reported being hit by vandalism.
Owners say the repeated attacks are costing them time and money — and taking a toll on their sense of security.
“Safety is a really, really big major concern because if it happens again, if you don’t put someone after her, it will happen again and again,” Chu said.
Police said they are speaking with business owners and are asking anyone with clearer surveillance video to come forward as the investigation continues.
