PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Officers were out in force Wednesday night to make sure Philadelphia remained safe after social media posts about looting and protests emerged.

“We are very, very cautious,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. “Make sure we’re protecting our communities across the city, not just here in Center City.”

Officials say they were prepared for possible disruptions as Election Day came and went.

RELATED | Election 2024: Biden to address nation, Trump prepares for second term

“There was some expectation that we would have an answer regardless of where the election was held, so we’re ready,” Bethel said.

Action News was on Market Street as officers dispersed a crowd of black-clad juveniles around 8:30 p.m.

Two people were arrested during the incident.

“I am asking parents to involve their youth because if anyone is involved in negative activities, we will take appropriate action,” Bethel said.

Several units were also stationed near stores that had been looted in the past.

“The department has learned some lessons from previous work as I come back on board. They have a very strong plan that I fully support,” Bethel said.

In Hunting Park, police said about a dozen juveniles tried to break into the DTLR on Germantown Avenue but were unsuccessful.

“We have some as opportunists, people who take advantage of something and just try to cause harm or break into property,” Bethel said.

In Center City, along Walnut Street, the New Balance store was locked down as crews prepared to secure Pandora. On Chestnut Street, security guards stood outside the Foot Locker.

Some businesses even had a sign on the door saying they had closed early, such as LuLu Lemon and J Crew in Center City, as well as businesses on Aramingo Avenue in Port Richmond.

Officers also surrounded City Hall while Socialist Alternative and Revolutionary Communists of America protested peacefully.

“We’re here to start a mass movement against Trump’s right-wing agenda and stop his mass deportation program,” protester Eric Jenkins said.

“We’re here ready to go, but we hope this continues to be a peaceful process,” Bethel said.