The Chicago Police Department (CPD) alerted area residents about a recent string of armed robberies across the city, including in the 19th Ward.
On Aug. 21, CPD said, in multiple incidents, victims were using a social media app to meet people for selling items. After agreeing upon a time and location, the victims arrived to meet and were met by a suspect.
In each incident, the offender would display a handgun and force the victim to give up their property, in addition to the offender forcing the victims to send money electronically.
Similar crimes have occurred in the 5th District on the 12400 block of South State Street, on Aug. 13, at 2:15 p.m., and on the 11800 block of South La Salle Street on Aug. 20 at 4 a.m.
According to CPD officials, on Aug. 20 a crime occurred in Morgan Park on the 1500 block of West 111th Street at 3:10 a.m.
In April, CPD 22nd District Cmdr. Brian Kinnane said the district has seen an increase in crimes related to the sale and purchase of items through online marketplaces.
He recommended that people making purchases through online marketplaces do some research on the people they are communicating with to establish that they are reputable.
He also recommended that when users are making a transaction with someone for the first time, they should meet in a safe, well-lit and populated location.
“This can also be done in the 22nd District police station, either in the parking lot or in the lobby,” Kinnane told The Beverly Review in April. “Also, buyers and sellers should conduct their business during daytime hours, and if possible, they shouldn’t go to the location alone.”
Police did not have a description of the suspects in the recent spree of armed robberies. The CPD advised that, if confronted by an assailant, people should remain calm and try to remember any unique physical characteristics.
Those with information should contact CPD Area 2 Detectives at (312) 747-8273 or submit an anonymous tip online at cpdtip.com.