Graduate Hospital: Residents Hesitant to Decorate Due to Vandalism

A small, busted pumpkin rests on the sidewalk outside of a home on Fitzwater Street.
A small, busted pumpkin rests on the sidewalk outside of a home on Fitzwater Street.
A small, busted pumpkin rests on the sidewalk outside of a home on Fitzwater Street.

Everyone knows the phrase that pays this time of the year, “trick or treat.” But some people around the Graduate Hospital area have taken the “trick” part a bit too literally by destroying and stealing residents Halloween decorations.

A South Street home displays their jack-o-lantern.
A South Street home displays their jack-o-lantern.

There’s nothing like getting your Halloween decorations stolen, especially after spending a lot of time and money to show your spooky spirit.

But a few blocks could make a huge difference in the South of South Street area. People closer to Broad Street reported more stolen decorations than those off of higher-numbered streets past 20th Street, most likely due to less foot traffic by people not from the neighborhood.

A pumpkin that had fallen victim to Halloween mischief.
A pumpkin that had fallen victim to Halloween mischief.

“Last year I had my lights stolen,” said Emily Sparks, who refuses to decorate the outside of her apartment near Broad and Catherine streets. “Someone must’ve spent a lot of time outside untangling them.”

Other residents closer to Broad Street reported getting their pumpkins smashed, window decals taken and even their Halloween doormats stolen.

“I put everything inside. The people I care about will see my decorations, not the rest of the world,” said resident Esther Okiro, who lives near 16th St. in the Graduate Hospital area.

Mara Taffe, producer for the Creative Services department at WPVI-TV, reported that Halloween decorations close to her home tend to stay up. Although she didn’t decorate, she sees her neighbors’ decorations outside and untouched. Taffe lives near 22nd St. in the Graduate Hospital area.

Have you had your decorations stolen? Tweet us @philaneighbors.

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