Cops: Slingshot bandit strikes Manayunk market
Police say an unidentified man used a slingshot to burglarize a store in Northwest Philly.
A THIEF IN Northwest Philadelphia is apparently a student of the Bart Simpson school of burglary.
Police report that an man spent about 45 minutes Wednesday morning using a slingshot in an attempt to break into the Palm Tree Market on Cresson Street near Levering in Manayunk.
Surveillance footage released yesterday shows the Dennis the Menace wannabe cocking his weapon in the vestibule in front of the store. It took him nearly an hour, but the less-than-crackshot eventually forced his way inside at roughly 5 a.m., after cracking a pane in the market's front door.
Police say the robber stole $120 in change and a box of Dutch Masters cigars. Northwest Detectives is investigating the theft, and recovered two walkie-talkies left behind at the scene.
Yesterday, an employee at the store, who did not want to be identified, declined to comment. He said it was the first time the market, which opened in 2011, had been targeted.
The thief is believed to be a thinly built white male. He wore a dark hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and a black belt during the burglary.
Tipsters, who may remain anonymous, are asked to contact Northwest Detectives at 215-686-3353.