Chicago's South Side has been hit by a string of armed robberies connected to online transactions, prompting the Chicago Police Department to issue a business alert. Perpetrators are using Facebook Marketplace to lure unsuspecting victims to the 7600 block of South Essex with the bait of a dirt bike for sale. When buyers arrive, they're met not with a deal, but with the cold barrel of a gun. The CPD has recorded incidents on February 18th, March 9th, April 6th, and April 18th, each with the same modus operandi.

Buyers looking for a good deal have instead found themselves staring down the business end of a handgun. While the vehicle used remains unidentified, simply described as "DNA" in the police alert, the robbery spree has stirred the force to action. The CPD's announcement warns the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for calm and a sharp memory for any distinctive features of the assailants.

The police have yet to make any arrests, and it's clear the robbers have become emboldened, striking repeatedly in the same location. The community is on edge, as what should be simple transactions are turning into dangerous confrontations. Residents of the 4th District are advised to conduct marketplace dealings at local police stations to ensure safety. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and to dial 9-1-1 immediately if they find themselves in a similar situation.