Chicago residents have been put on high alert as the police department warns of a string of armed robberies linked to Facebook Marketplace deals gone bad. In a statement released on their official website, Chicago Police detailed how perpetrators have been exploiting the social platform to lure victims with the promise of dirt bikes and motorcycles at bargain prices, only to rob them at gunpoint.
The crimes have carved a path of fear across the 7th and 8th Districts with seven reported incidents in January alone, as suspects arranged to meet sellers in public places before guiding them to alleys where the armed robberies took place the victims were left without their money and phones, a pattern the police say is becoming increasingly familiar. According to the alert, three male suspects have been identified, one sporting a green jacket and another in a purple jacket, each of them armed and endangering community members.
The incidents occurred across various locations including the 6700 block of South Throop Street and the 5700 block of South Maplewood Ave, raising alarms about the safety of e-commerce transactions in the city's neighborhoods. The latest robbery took place on January 29 at 3:37 PM on South Throop Street, close on the heels of another on South Artesian Ave Street, which unfolded the previous day at 4:00 PM.
Chicago Police are urging locals to remain vigilant and suggesting that any Facebook Marketplace or social media transactions should be conducted at local police stations to ensure safety, a advice that may help deter future attempts at this kind of urban predation. Those confronted by a suspect should stay calm, note any distinguishing features on the suspects, and never pursue the assailants, but instead dial 9-1-1 immediately. If any member of the community witnesses such an incident, obtaining contact information is crucial, and in the presence of video surveillance, securing a copy can be invaluable for investigative purposes.
