Crime is so bad in Philadelphia that a popular cheesesteak joint hired armed guards to protect customers

Darden said the armed agents who protect the customers are sworn and certified by the state of Pennsylvania to do security work. He added that the armed guards are former military, police, and law enforcement.

Landers said the threat of violence is so prevalent that businesses “have to spend that extra money” to keep customers and employees safe.

The Philly Voice reported, “In 2015, the West Philly Jim’s location was targeted by armed robbers, who reportedly made off with $215 in cash stolen from the register and customers who were in the store at the time.”

One customer said of the armed agents, “If it deters it (crime), I can’t complain. I’m not a big fan of guns, but I get it.”

However, another patron said an armed guard “walking around with a machine gun, it’s not family-friendly.”

The security guard was not armed with a machine gun, but rather an AR-15.

The violence is so overwhelming in the area that the Karco Gas Station in North Philadelphia has also hired armed guards.

https://www.theblaze.com/news/philadelphia-crime-cheesesteak-shop-armed-guards