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Police Search for Suspect in Northeast Philadelphia Burglaries

Authorities investigate an attempted burglary at a local auto body shop in Northeast Philadelphia.

News Summary

Authorities in Northeast Philadelphia are searching for 18-year-old Marcos Neto, a suspect linked to a series of business burglaries. Neto is believed to be responsible for at least eight break-ins, targeting primarily auto body shops. The investigations reveal his connections to other thefts beyond Philadelphia, prompting heightened security measures among local business owners. As concerns grow for community safety, residents are urged to report any sightings of Neto or other suspected individuals to assist law enforcement efforts in resolving the situation.

Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Police Department is actively searching for 18-year-old Marcos Neto, identified as a suspect in a series of business burglaries occurring in Northeast Philadelphia. Authorities believe Neto is responsible for at least eight break-ins that date back to February 2025, with the most recent incident reported on May 25, 2025.

Among the businesses targeted by Neto is Northeast Community Auto Body. The owner, Jose Taveras, reported an attempted burglary at his shop during the early morning hours of May 5, 2025. During this incident, Neto attempted to break into the office using a shovel before firing a gun at the shop’s window. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, but it left significant damage and raised concerns for safety in the area. Taveras suspects that Neto may have prior knowledge of the business, specifically its cash flow, which could explain the targeted nature of the attacks.

Following the attempted break-in at Taveras’s shop, the police linked Neto to other burglaries that have primarily affected auto body shops across the Northeast Philadelphia region. The recent break-in at J&M Windows and Doors on May 25 was the latest in a troubling streak. Law enforcement is now warning the public, as Neto is believed to be armed and has a hearing impairment, raising concerns regarding how he may react to police or business owners during any confrontation.

Lieutenant Michael Long has noted that Neto’s hearing impairment means he may not be able to respond to verbal commands, increasing the risk for anyone who may encounter him. In light of the ongoing threat to local businesses, Taveras mentioned that he has had to improve security measures significantly. He and other business owners are feeling the impact of these burglaries, prompting heightened vigilance and additional security protocols.

Investigations have revealed that Neto has connections not only to the burglaries in Northeast Philadelphia but also to incidents in Cheltenham Township, where an arrest warrant has been issued for him concerning two separate burglaries. Authorities are currently exploring potential links between Neto and a string of similar crimes in both Philadelphia and Montgomery County, which have been characterized by a mix of armed and unarmed robberies.

Police reports indicate that there is also another unidentified suspect wanted in connection with the series of burglaries, further complicating the situation for investigators. Neto reportedly has a prior arrest on record in Philadelphia and is proficient only in Portuguese sign language, which could complicate communication with officers during any potential apprehension.

Residents of the area are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Neto or the second suspect to the Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online. The public is advised to avoid approaching these individuals directly but to contact 911 if they see them. The community’s involvement and awareness could prove essential in aiding law enforcement efforts to resolve these concerning incidents.

As the investigation continues, authorities stress the importance of public safety and are hopeful that with community cooperation, they can track down the suspects and put an end to the ongoing burglaries that have left many local business owners on edge.