Residents of the 6th District in Chicago are being alerted to a series of armed robberies tied to the use of dating applications. The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert regarding these incidents where victims were lured to specific addresses only to be robbed at gunpoint or knife-point by a group of men. According to the police, the string of robberies took place at two different locations on E 90th St. on September 15 and 24, and another on S Marshfield Ave on October 3.
The method appears simple yet effective; the suspects convince their victims to meet using popular dating apps, then upon arrival at a designated spot—a residence or sometimes an abandoned building—the assailants, brandishing weapons, demand valuables. An early pattern suggests that the offenders initially used a knife, but have since escalated to utilizing a small black handgun, which was also stolen from a victim. Despite the different types of weapons used, the attackers generally fit a similar description: male blacks, ranging from approximately 16 to 30 years old.
The Chicago Police Department suggests a number of precautions for users of dating apps, including always being aware of your surroundings and taking time to get to know someone through the app before meeting. They advise choosing a public location for initial meetings and exercising caution if a meeting place seems abandoned or not as described. Additionally, having the tracking ability activated on your cell phone could assist in its recovery if lost or stolen during such incidents.
The community alert additionally stresses the importance of remaining calm if confronted and trying to remember any unique features of the assailants that could help police identify them. In cases where a witness is present, victims should request their contact information. The authorities strongly advise to never pursue a fleeing assailant but to instead provide information to the police and to immediately dial 9-1-1, remaining on the scene when it is safe to do so.
