Police Alert Local Businesses to String of Armed Robberies

The Chicago Police Department and Alderman Tom Tunney (44th) released a community alert Wednesday afternoon warning businesses and residents about a string of armed robberies occurring on the north side of Chicago, including many in Lake View.

Of the eight armed robberies since Aug. 21, two occurred in Lake View on Diversey Parkway, with others surrounding the neighborhood in areas like Uptown and North Center.

“This alert gives notice to businesses operating on the north side of Chicago of armed robberies that are occurring during evening hours,” the community alert reads. “Two to five offenders enter and take over the business at gunpoint. They rob employees, demanding access to cash registers and safes. In some of the robberies, they have taken cartons of cigarettes as well as personal belongings of the employees (cell phones, wallets).”

Incident Time and Location:

• North Center: 2100 block of W. Belmont Ave. on August 21, 2012 at approximately 10:30 p.m.
• Uptown: 4800 block of N. Broadway on August 24, 2012 at approximately 8:20 p.m.
• Lake View/Lincoln Park: 2800 block of N. Ashland Ave. on August 26, 2012 at approximately 8:30 p.m.
• Wicker Park: 1600 block of N. Maplewood Ave. on September 02, 2012 at approximately 6:00 p.m.
• Rogers Park: 6700 block of N. Ridge Ave. on September 14, 2012 at approximately 6:40 p.m.
• Lake View/Lincoln Park: 500 block of W. Diversey Pkwy. on September 25, 2012 at approximately 8:30 p.m.
• Bucktown: 1900 block of N. Elston Ave. on September 29, 2012 at approximately 6:00 p.m.
• Uptown: 4100 block of N. Sheridan Rd. on September 29, 2012 at approximately 6:50 p.m.

About the Offenders:

According to police, there are two to five offenders described as male blacks 20-35 years of age. They have a medium brown to dark complexion and are described as 5'09 to 6'03 tall, ranging in weight from 170 – 240 lbs.

One offender wore his hair in braids. The offenders are often wearing dark hooded jackets and some type of hat.

What You Can Do:

• Be aware of this crime and alert other businesses in the area. 
• Be aware of areas that have had such incidents in the past. 
• Business owners should ensure that hold up alarm systems and video surveillance equipment are in working order. 
• Be aware of suspicious people who may be casing your business. 
• Call 911 and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) including any vehicle description, license plate information and direction of flight. 

If you have any information about the robberies, contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area North at (312) 744-8263.