Social media posts calling for looting in Philadelphia lead to increased police presence

PHILADELPHIA – On Wednesday evening, Philadelphia ordered an increased police presence across the city after police said social media posts were circulating calling for looting in the city.

Philadelphia Police Department officials posted on social media that they were aware of posts encouraging people to loot stores and that they were out preparing to deal with criminal behavior.

A heavy police presence was noted in the 52nd Street corridor in West Philly.

The police were on bikes as well as in patrol cars.

FOX 29's Steve Keeley captured video of preparations around the city amid these police-confirmed social media posts about looting.

Some businesses on Walnut and Chestnut streets in Center City have boarded up their stores and closed early.

According to police, there are no reports of looting.