Jim's West Steaks & Hoagies, a popular Philadelphia cheesesteak joint, has taken the extraordinary step of hiring armed security guards to protect its customers and staff amidst the city's ongoing crime wave.
The decision comes as Philadelphia, like many other cities in the United States, grapples with a surge in crime in recent years. With over 500 homicides in each of the past two years and an overall crime increase of nearly 16% year-to-date, according to Philadelphia Police Department data, businesses are feeling the need to take drastic measures to ensure the safety of their patrons and employees.
Victoria Wylie, co-owner of Jim's West Steaks & Hoagies, explained the rationale behind the decision, stating, "What we have become accustomed to in society is to react to issues once they happen. It's too late. One incident where someone is severely hurt or even passes away from me is not acceptable."
Wylie emphasized the importance of being proactive in preventing violence and crime rather than simply reacting to it. She further added, "We did it as a deterrent and a precautionary measure to really just say that we are thinking about all possible situations that could happen, and we want customers to know that safety is really important to us."
The high crime rates in the West Philadelphia area, where the restaurant is located, were also a significant factor in the decision. Wylie expressed concern about the prevalence of crime in the community and the uncertainty surrounding the individuals who may visit the establishment. "So being someone who is reopening a business that's really popular, that people have been waiting for, we don't know who's coming," she said.
To ensure the safety of their customers and employees, Jim's West Steaks & Hoagies has hired armed security guards who will be present during business hours. A video posted on the restaurant's Instagram account showed a security guard carrying an assault-style rifle standing outside the establishment on the day of its reopening. Wylie emphasized that the decision to hire armed security was driven by the desire to protect their consumers, employees, and the business itself.
The need for heightened security measures is underscored by the previous ownership's experience. In 2015, armed robbers collectively stole $215 from the register and customers of Jim's Steaks, as reported by the Philly Voice. Wylie highlighted these incidents as contributing factors in the decision to hire armed security under the new ownership, stating, "We don't want that to happen to our business."
The alarming crime statistics in Philadelphia further justify the need for increased security. In 2022 alone, the city witnessed nearly 70,000 property crimes, marking a 30% increase from the previous year, according to Philadelphia Police Department data. While armed robberies have decreased by nearly 13% compared to pre-pandemic levels, they still remain a significant concern.
The recent looting incidents in September, where groups of thieves targeted and ransacked several businesses across Philadelphia over multiple nights, have added to the urgency of the situation. Approximately 20 state-run liquor stores were looted, prompting the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to temporarily close all 48 retail locations in the city. Benjamin Nochum, the store manager of Patriot Pharmacy, one of the businesses affected by the looting, expressed frustration, stating, "When looters steal from us, what they dont seem to understand is that they are also stealing from our neighbors."
Despite the challenges posed by the city's rampant crime, Wylie remains determined to prioritize the safety of her customers while continuing to serve the delicious cheesesteaks that Jim's West Steaks & Hoagies is known for. She emphasized that hiring armed security was intended to deter criminal activity.
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