PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Officers were deployed in large numbers Wednesday evening to ensure Philadelphia remained safe after posts of looting and protests surfaced on social media.

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

Authorities said they were prepared for possible disruptions as Election Day came and went.

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“There was some expectation that we would get a response no matter where the election ended, and that’s why we’re prepared,” Bethel said.

Action News was on Market Street when officers dispersed a group of teenagers dressed all in black around 8:30 p.m

Two people were arrested in this incident.

“I ask parents to involve their youth because if anyone engages 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 activities as I come back on board. They have a very strong plan that I fully support,” Bethel said.

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

“Some of them are opportunists, people who are taking advantage and just trying to cause harm or destroy property,” Bethel said.

In Center City along Walnut Street, the New Balance store was boarded up as crews prepared to shield Pandora. On Chestnut Street, guards stood outside Foot Locker.

Some stores even had a sign on the door indicating they were closed early, such as LuLuLemon and JCrew in Center City and stores on Aramingo Avenue in Port Richmond.

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

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

“We are ready to go, but we hope the process continues to be peaceful,” Bethel said.