Cops: Teen gunmen on robbery spree near Temple

THEY SEEM YOUNG and friendly, sometimes asking for help. But these two teens, police say, are violent punks too savvy for their own good.

Police are scouring North Philly for the suspects, who investigators say are connected to at least six gunpoint robberies near Temple University.

"You can say they've done this before. Their behavior isn't that of an amateur," Capt. Frank Banford, head of Central Detectives, said last night.

Banford said the robbers, who may be part of a larger ring of thieves, used similar methods in the string of robberies, which took place between May 14 and 20. The final night was the most violent: Police responded to two robberies just five minutes and about five blocks apart.

The teens, one of whom carries a backpack, walk up to a victim, show a handgun and demand money and smartphones, police said.

In at least one instance, police said, the suspects struck up a conversation with the target, distracting him and lowering his guard with questions like, "Where can I catch the subway?"

Banford said investigators are working closely with Temple's police department, and warned students - and anyone else in the area - to "keep their guard up."

Charles Leone, Temple's executive director of campus safety services, said yesterday that the university was keeping a close eye on the area around the campus and would offer a walking-escort program to students during the summer.

Meanwhile, investigators are trying to identify the two teens. One is said to be about 5 foot 9 with a thin build, and he wore a gray hoodie and backpack during the robberies, police said. His accomplice also has a medium build, and sported a light mustache and a camouflage jacket during the incidents.

Tipsters should call 215-686-8477.

- Staff writer Joe Brandt

contributed to this report.