Chicago police have issued a community alert about a rash of robberies on the South Side by thieves ranging in age from 11 to 30.
In at least three of the robberies in the Chatham neighborhood, victims said a group of five people approached, displayed a weapon and demanded property. In some incidents, the robbers used force without a weapon, police said.
The first robbery happened about 12:10 a.m. on Aug. 4 in the 7900 block of South Drexel Avenue, followed by a robbery about 3:50 a.m. on Aug. 8 in the 7500 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue, police said. At least 10 other robberies have occurred since then:
* Aug. 9 about 8 p.m. in the 7500 block of South Evans Avenue.
* Aug. 13 about 9:05 p.m. in 800 block of East 75th Street.
* Aug. 17 about 2 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Maryland Avenue.
* Aug. 23 about 8:10 p.m. in the 800 block of East 78th Street.
* Aug. 25 about 2 a.m. in the 7900 block of South Rhodes Avenue.
* Aug. 27 about 6:55 a.m. in the 7500 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue.
* Aug. 29 about 4:50 p.m. in the 7700 block of South Vernon Avenue.
* Aug. 29 about 11 p.m. in the 800 block of East 79th Street.
* Sept. 1 about 3:50 a.m. in the 7600 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue.
* Sept. 2 about 1:30 a.m. in the 7900 block of South Ingleside Avenue.
Descriptions were vague, but police said the robbers are black and between the ages of 11 to 30. They are between 5-foot-2 to 6 feet tall, and weigh 130 to 230 pounds. They have various complexions and hairstyles, including an Afro, braids, dreadlocks, short hair and a Mohawk.
Anyone with information can call Area South detectives at 312-747-8273.
