A string of armed robberies has besieged Chicago's 1st and 12th Districts with restaurants and pedestrians falling victim to gun-wielding culprits seeking cash and valuables. According to a business alert issued by the Chicago Police Department, the incidents occurred during December and involved a group of "three to eight African American males, 16-25 years of age," sporting black hooded sweatshirts and masks.
Details provided by authorities sketch a troubling spree of crime: employees at gunpoint, demands shouted for the cash register's contents. The offenders, drifting in from the cold, flee with their loot, a waiting silver Jeep Cherokee their escape. Striking thrice on December 30, they hit businesses on West Roosevelt Rd, West Washington Blvd, and West Madison St in a flurry of early morning terror.
Witnesses have described the offenders as wearing a uniform criminal attire of black ski masks and dark pants. Police urge businesses to stay alert, install and maintain surveillance systems, and preserve any footage of the incidents for investigative purposes.
The police bulletin disclosed specific times and locations of these robberies, one as early as 4:50 A.M., as well as the group's aggressive tactics, not content only with plunder but with battery after surrendering their possessions.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity by calling 911 and providing detailed descriptions of suspects, including any vehicular information.
