Wentworth, Chicago, has seen a rise in robberies since October, with contractors being the primary victims. As per the Chicago Police Department, two to four African-American males have been carrying out the crimes. The suspects approach contractors either inside or near their parked work vehicles, display a black handgun, and escape with work tools in their car.
The offenses have taken place in different locations across the district, with the most recent one reported on the 3600 block of South Indiana Avenue earlier this week. All incidents revolve around the use of a black handgun for intimidation and theft. Although robbery rates in the region have varied, having contractors and their work tools specifically targeted is unusually noticeable in these crimes.
To handle the immediate situation, CPD has advised contractors, as well as potential victims, to take suggestive measures. These range from maintaining awareness of the surroundings, being calm in abrupt encounters, avoiding chasing the culprits, immediately reporting any suspicious activities, and remembering unique identifiers of the suspects, such as scars or limps.
