Residents of Chicago's 2nd District are on edge as a series of armed robberies have struck the Wentworth neighborhood. According to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department (CPD), groups of assailants have been aggressively targeting individuals, demanding their cell phones and the passcodes that unlock their digital lives.

The crimes, characterized by a chilling boldness, involve two to four suspects—described as African-American males, between 5'05"and -5'08" in height, weighing around 100-120 lbs, and decked out in black clothing and ski masks. These incidents took place at night, except for one daytime occurrence on the 1300 block of East 56th St. on April 17, 2024, at approximately 2:45 P.M. In one account, the driver was noted as an African-American female with distinctive red or auburn hair.

Victims were accosted while walking or standing in public spaces, a clear sign that no one is safe, even on the sidewalks that thread through their daily lives. CPD's alert specifically points to four incidents:

• 5500 block of South Blackstone Ave. on March 16, 2024, at approx. 10:00 P.M.
• 5400 block of South Kimbark Ave. on March 17, 2024, at approx. 11:05 P.M.
• 5700 block of South Kimbark Ave. on March 30, 2024, at approx. 11:15 P.M.
• 1300 block of East 56th St. on April 17, 2024, at approx. 2:45 P.M.

In light of these crimes, the CPD urges the public to maintain heightened awareness and report any suspicious activity. If confronted, individuals should stay calm and make a mental note of any distinguishing marks or features of the assailants. People are advised not to chase after the robbers, but instead call 9-1-1, provide detailed information to law enforcement, and stay at the scene if it's safe to do so.