A series of robberies transpired within a time bracket of 30 minutes in DePaul University's Lincoln Park Campus yesterday. All three incidents saw students submit to the aggressive demands of a seemingly connected group of criminals, leaving a trail of fear and unease in their wake, as reported by ABC 7 Chicago.
According to CBS News, the first robbery occurred around 1 a.m. on the 2200 block of North Sheffield Avenue. Three 20-year-olds, including a 19-year old woman, found themselves targeted by unknown individuals who forcefully stole their possessions before fleeing in a maroon sedan. The swift escalation of crime persisted; with two additional targeted robberies taking place in the 900 block of West Fullerton Avenue and the 1700 block of North Clybourn, although details of the latter heist remain scarce.
A pattern emerges in each story as victims recall the methodical approach of their attackers, demanding their belongings under duress. One student endured a grievous physical assault. It is hardly surprising that the authorities cited by ABC 7 Chicago believe the same perpetrators committed each of the three instances on campus.
In response to these distressing events, DePaul University officials have taken action to bolster security measures by increasing the presence of security officers throughout the campus. The university's president addressed the issue, stating "Chicago continues to face ongoing challenges with criminal activity across the city. We must acknowledge this sad reality and respond accordingly."
Disturbed by these recurring events, DePaul's administration has organized a Campus Safety Summit scheduled to take place on Thursday, as mentioned in ABC 7 Chicago. This initiative is designed to tackle the problem head-on by facilitating discussions and sharing insights about safety protocols while bringing experts and students together in an effort to find viable solutions. In addition, the university has made ample resources and safety tips available on its Public Safety website, aiming to assist and protect its students amidst the rising tide of crime.
