Plainclothes police arrested two youths who attempted to rob two pedestrians at gunpoint in quick succession near 47th and Warrington and 48th and Springfield late Wednesday night.

A 59-year-old man was walking his dog at about 11 p.m. on the 4700 block of Warrington when a young man, who police later identified as a 17-year-old, jumped out of the bushes and tried to rob him, police said. The man turned to run but was met by another 17-year-old who swung at him. The older man blocked the punch, hit the young man in the face and fled. Both youths chased the man, who managed to attract the attention of several more pedestrians who came to help him. The two youths fled.

About 10 minutes later a 31-year-old male was walking near 48th and Springfield when he was tapped on the shoulder. He turned around to see a young man pointing a gun at him. The male, who police say was also involved in the first robbery, demanded that he empty his pockets. When the man said he had nothing in his pockets the young man struck him in the face with the gun and rifled through his pockets before fleeing on foot. The victim suffered a broken nose.

Plainclothes police who had been alerted to the first robbery observed the second and caught one suspect after a brief pursuit. The second suspect fled down Springfield Avenue and was caught near an alley where police also recovered a BB gun pistol.

Both defendants, whose names were not released because they are juveniles, were charged with the robberies and police say they are investigating their possible involvement in other robberies in the area involving youths in recent weeks.
 

There is a dangerous sinkhole on the 4800 block of Baltimore Avenue. A reader Joe described it as about two feet deep and stretching at least a couple feet in either direction. It is in the middle of the bike lane on the north side of the 4800 block, in front of 4827/29.

“Don’t let its demure appearance fool you. It wants to eat you and your bike,” Joe warns.
 

A German Shepherd/Pit Bull mix has been missing for some time in the West Philadelphia/University City area.

The dog is very friendly, will answer to Peaches. She has a red collar with a green tag.

If you see her, please call 267-303-9096 or 215-391-7397. A $50 reward is offered to anyone who finds her.

A 36-year-old man was mugged by 10-12 young males on the 4600 block of Chester Avenue on Monday night, police said.

Police say the youths punched the man, who was a house guest at a nearby residence, and stole his cell phone and laptop at about 11 p.m. He refused medical attention. The youths were not armed and no arrests have so far been made.

The West Philly resident with whom the man is staying wrote us that:

“It seems like there has been an uptick in muggings in the “triangle” between Baltimore and Woodland and 40th and the Kingsessing rec center which is usually pretty quiet compared to the main East-West streets (Walnut, Spruce).”

A neighbor Susan is searching for her cat:

My 15-year-old Russian Blue male cat Crumb went missing something yesterday, June 20, in the vicinity of 49th & Springfield. He is rather thin and has had some dental surgery that has made eating anything other than watered-down canned food difficult.

If you think you’ve seen Crumb please email Susan at susaniris [at] msn.com or call at 215-435-5273.

We are all getting used to fun stuff happening every weekend here in West Philly, but here’s something to enjoy in the middle of the week and for a very reasonable price. Penn Museum (3260 South Street) presents a series of concerts this summer (through August 24) every Wednesday night from 5 to 8 p.m.

All performances take place outdoors, in the museum’s Warden Garden, so you can enjoy some fresh air after long hours at work. Refreshments can be purchased at the venue. Tickets are $5, which includes admission to the museum.

This week “Summer Nights” features Baris Kaya and his band, Barakka, who mix Turkish folk, Middle Eastern and rock music.