3 Armed Robberies Occur Near University Of Chicago In Span Of 90 Minutes: Police
(CBS) -- A Community Alert is in effect after three armed street robberies took place within 90 minutes of each other in the University of Chicago area on Sunday.
Police say in these incidents, offenders would approach victims on foot, display or imply a handgun and demand property. In two incidents, the offender or offenders approached the victim from behind.
The robberies happened on the 900 block of East 54th Street Sunday at about 5 p.m.; the 5400 block of South Ellis Avenue an hour later; and in the 5400 block of South University Avenue around 6:30 p.m.
Several residents in the area told WBBM they were aware of the robberies and the alert.
Natalie Hart says she believes others from all parts of the city "target" the Hyde Park area because it's easily accessible to Lake Shore Drive and bus and train lines for a quick getaway.
U of C student Andi Chapin says everyone in the neighborhood knows to be cautious.
"I haven't had any issues. It's pretty much just common-sense stuff like be aware of your surroundings, travel with people, that sort of thing," Chapin says.
If you have any information, call Chicago police detectives at (312) 747-8382.