String of armed robberies in Lakeview, Lincoln Park conducted by same group: CPD

CHICAGO (WGN) — Authorities are offering new details on the string of robberies that unfolded on the North Side late Monday night.

On Wednesday morning, Chicago police said they now believe the four robberies were conducted by the same group as they made their way through the North Side late Monday night.

Officers say the string of hold-ups, which unfolded over the course of about 40 minutes, involved two to four people and during some of them, the thieves even demanded the victim’s phone passcodes.

The robbery string began around 11:30 p.m. when officers say a 47-year-old woman was robbed in the 3400 block of North Broadway, in Lakeview.

During the robbery, police say two unknown male offenders approached the woman and took her belongings by force before they fled the scene on foot.

About 15 minutes later, thieves robbed another woman a little over a mile away in the 2800 block of North Pine Grove Avenue.

According to police, during the second incident, the victim, a 23-year-old woman, was approached by two unknown male offenders, one of which was armed with a gun, who proceeded to demand her property. Officers said the woman gave the thieves her belongings and they fled the scene in a white Honda CR-V.

A little over five minutes later another woman was robbed in the 700 block of West Roscoe Street, just over a mile from the scene of the previous robbery.

During that incident, officers said the victim, a 21-year-old woman, was approached by two unknown male offenders who pulled out guns and demanded her property. Again, the victim complied and the thieves fled the scene in a nearby vehicle.

The final robbery reported in the overnight string unfolded around 12:05 a.m. in the 2500 block of North Sheffield Avenue in Lincoln Park.

Officers said during that final incident, the victim, a 20-year-old woman, was walking outside in the area when she was approached by the white SUV. Two armed individuals then exited the vehicle and pulled out guns while demanding her property.

After the victim gave them her belongings, the group fled the scene in the SUV.

Offices say they believe the individuals responsible were two to four black males who were spotted wearing dark-colored clothing with hooded sweatshirts and black ski masks.

Police advise the public to remain aware of their surroundings and stay free from distractions. According to officers, anyone who is confronted by an assailant should try to remain calm.

Authorities warn the public never to pursue a fleeing assailant and instead work to remember any unique physical characteristics of the offenders. 

Police say those who fall victim or witness a crime should call 911 immediately and provide authorities with a detailed description of the offenders.

Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to contact CPD Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.