Philadelphia gas station owner hires heavily armed guards to protect business

Neil Patel, operator of a Karco gas station at Broad and Clearfield streets in North Philadelphia, recruited Pennsylvania S.I.T.E Agents clad with Kevlar vest and AR-15s or shotguns. "They are forcing us to hire the security, high-level security, state level," Patel told FOX 29. "We are tired of this nonsense; robbery, drug trafficking, hanging around, gangs."

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[nobleallen]

Honestly he is just not only protecting his property but also the ppl who patronize his business.

[liammorris]

The fact that this man has to pay out of his own pocket for protection tells you a lot about the city.

[kumarj]

His property, his money, his prerogative how he protects himself and his customers

[richardroth]

Thumbs UP to this business owner! THANK YOU for stepping UP and protecting your business and your customers!

[Black_Jesus]

As long as the guards are properly trained the customers should feel safe. Politicians are surrounded by armed security and no one complains. I applaud this businessman.

[brybryguy]

As a native Philadelphian. I support this man. He has every God given right to protect himself and his livelihood. He's not only protecting himself and his business but also his customers and that surrounding homes. North Philadelphia has always been a very rough neighborhood to say to lest. But in recent years, it has gotten way worse with crime, especially by young people and even teenagers. So good for him for taking a stand. He's doing what the city should be doing but again our city government just flat out sucks.

[bhitz]

Others would pack up and leave, this guy chose to take a stand, and I'm sure those guys are not cheap. Mad respect.

[OCPyrit]

As a former gas station owner, it breaks my heart to see this fine business being robbed and vandalized. Many prayers to all gas stations!!! 🙏🙏🙏

[mrrabbit]

The shop owner has the right to protect themselves from scum. I Applaud him 100%

[gozzi]

For those who said that's not the right approach have never lived in areas like this ever and its obvious. Kudos to the business owner for taking a stand.

[branchingvine]

This business owner is completely and totally spot on! He's called it right, and he's doing exactly what's needing to be done.

[isege-wobm]

Well done to the owner for hiring these guards. If the country can't protect them, let them protect themselves

[thedukeofbellington]

Words here can not express my utter satisfaction with Mr. Patel's decision to hire armed guards for his business. We need more business owners like him.

[jdwfenton]

Just shows how bad the crime situation is in Philadelphia. Props to this guy for protecting his business and his customers.

[kevinvieyra]

Props to him. Protecting customers and workers. It’s not cheap to hire these kind of guys

[sicitydonmo]

instead of sending the military to other countries they should protect their own citizen first hand

[gsthMD]

I’m glad he’s protecting his business and his customers!

[noneya]

Respect the OWNER for investing in protecting his business, his EMPLOYEES, and CUSTOMERS.

[crashman]

This gas station owner is protecting not only his employees and business, he is protecting his customers, every other business in the area and every single person who lives, works or walks in the area. Bravo.

[SwoonGaming]

The fact that a small business owner even has to consider paying for heavily armed security says a lot about the whole city - not just the police.