Residents in the 006th District of Chicago are being cautioned about a series of armed robberies connected to dating site interactions. Victims lured to meet-ups through dating applications, were led to abandoned or vacant buildings, only to be confronted by armed robbers who have, in some cases, demanded ransom via cash apps and even stolen a victim's vehicle. The Chicago Police Department issued a community alert detailing several incidents that took place throughout September and into early October at addresses on E 90th St, S Marshfield Ave, and W 82nd St.
The series of robberies appear systematically perpetrated – victims report being approached by one assailant, soon joined by others, and threatened with a handgun. The alert describes the offenders as 2-3 black males, aged between 16 and 30. Officials emphasize the importance of being vigilant and suggest meeting new contacts from dating apps in public places and remaining aware of one's surroundings, as these assailants have openly brandished weaponry in the course of these crimes.
In response to the alarming trend, law enforcement is advising community members to verify addresses before meeting dates from apps, especially if the location appears abandoned. They also recommend having a cell phone tracking feature enabled, which could assist in case of theft. The advisory further suggests that those confronted by assailants try to stay calm, and after the incident, immediately report any suspicious activity or descriptions of the perpetrators to the authorities.
The series of crimes has injected a note of caution in the community's use of dating applications. The police urge users to go slow and be skeptical of matches who press for a quick meeting. If the provided address looks out of place, they advise contacting the person and leaving if prompted to enter an empty building. "Remember any unique physical characteristics (scars, limp, acne, teeth, etc.)," advises the police statement, urging victims to dial 9-1-1 immediately after an encounter and to stay at the scene if safe to do so.
