The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert warning of a series of armed robberies plaguing the Auburn Gresham neighborhood within the 6th (Gresham) District, the most recent incident taking place just a day prior to the release of the alert.
The pattern involves victims who've arranged sales through online marketplaces, thinking they've found a buyer or a bargain, soon they find themselves at the wrong end of a gun; the offenders—described as one to three African American males, aged 17 to 30, donning gray & green hooded sweatshirts—brandish firearms, announce the robbery, they strip the victims of their personal property and disappear on foot, according to the official police report. These incidents happened in broad daylight, with the last two occurring on the 500 block of E. 89th Pl., one on March 29, 2025, at approximately 12:37 p.m., and the other on April 21, 2025, at around noon.
In response to these events, the police department is urging the community to be vigilant and suggests tactics for maintaining personal safety, like being aware of surroundings and reporting suspicious activity immediately. They also emphasize the importance of not chasing after assailants but instead recalling any distinctive features and providing those details to law enforcement. The secure exchange of goods at government facilities such as police stations is recommended as a preventative measure.
Residents and potential online marketplace users are advised to take caution when arranging in-person transactions "Always be aware of your surroundings," the Chicago Police Department recommendations state; they continue with a list of guidelines that includes saving video surveillance, if available, after an incident and asking any witnesses to stay and provide contact information, these steps are considered crucial for aiding the investigation and improving the chances of apprehending the criminals responsible for these armed robberies.
For those who find themselves in the unfortunate position of facing a potential robbery, the Chicago Police Department insists that it's essential to remain calm, never pursue the fleeing assailant, and dial 9-1-1 immediately while remaining on the scene if it is safe to do so.
