Police say the group struck overnight before officers tracked them down
BENSALEM, PA – A smashed Starbucks drive-thru window, disturbed cash registers and thefts from vehicles led Bensalem police to eight Philadelphia juveniles early Wednesday, with investigators alleging the group was involved in an overnight string of crimes around businesses and nearby neighborhoods.
Bensalem Police responded at approximately 3:19 a.m. Wednesday to a burglary in progress at the Starbucks at 3619 Horizon Boulevard.
Officers arrived to find the coffee shop’s drive-thru window smashed and its cash registers disturbed, according to police.
Three male juveniles were initially located and detained in the Walmart parking lot on Horizon Boulevard. Police said officers recovered merchandise taken from Starbucks.
The search continued with assistance from Upper Southampton Police, and five additional male juveniles who had reportedly been seen running from the area were subsequently located and detained.
Investigators determined that all eight juveniles were involved in the Starbucks burglary and multiple confirmed thefts from vehicles in a nearby neighborhood, according to Bensalem Police.
Police said the juveniles are also suspected in additional attempted thefts around the Neshaminy Square Shopping Center and nearby residential developments. Those cases remain under investigation.
All eight juveniles are from Philadelphia. Police said they were identified and released to their parents or guardians pending further investigation.
The juveniles will face charges including burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking, theft from a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy, and loitering and prowling at night, according to police.
Investigators are asking businesses in the area to review overnight surveillance footage for activity that could be connected to the investigation.
Residents whose vehicles were broken into or who have potentially relevant video footage can contact Bensalem Detective Shawn Smith at (215) 633-3687.
Key Points
- Bensalem Police said eight Philadelphia juveniles were connected to an early Wednesday Starbucks burglary and multiple thefts from vehicles.
- Three juveniles were initially detained near Walmart before five others were located with assistance from Upper Southampton Police.
- Police are investigating whether the group was involved in additional attempted thefts around Neshaminy Square and nearby neighborhoods.
